Investigating the genetic basis of immunological overlap between inflammatory diseases

About the Project

Genetic studies have identified numerous variants within the human genome associated with susceptibility to common complex inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Many of these lie near to immune-related genes and show extensive overlap between diseases. Recent single cell studies have identified molecularly distinct immune cell populations from disease relevant tissues which are associated with pathological inflammation. However, while the overlap of fibroblast sub-types has been explored, the extent of overlap between immune cell populations or their relevance to the genetic basis of the diseases has not.

This project aims to explore this overlap to identify shared states which could drive common inflammatory mechanisms within these diseases and to elucidate the genetic basis behind them. This will be achieved by integrating the wealth of publicly available single cell and bulk omics data to generate an annotated, shared resource across inflammatory diseases which has the potential to identify novel drug targets or inform the selection of existing therapies based on genetic risk.

Eligibility

Applicants are expected to hold (or about to obtain) an undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in either a biological subject area with a strong emphasis on bioinformatics or computational subject area with a strong emphasis on biology. Research experience in data analysis, epigenomics and single cell genomics is desirable.

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

How to Apply

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Bioinformatics Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester

If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester)

Funding Notes

Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 3 (high) fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website View Website