About the Project
Myeloma, a type of blood cell cancer, has an incidence of around 6000 new cases in United Kingdom, with approximately 500 new cases in Scotland every year. A relatively more common condition, especially in older adults, termed Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is not considered a cancer, but it has been associated with increased risk of progression to myeloma.
Plasma cells are derived from B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Their primary role is to produce antibodies and therefore play a significant role in helping the body fight infections. In MGUS, a small group of these plasma cells make an abnormal antibody that can be detected in the blood.
It is well known that people with myeloma have an increased risk of developing blood clots, partly because of the disease itself and partly due to the treatments used to control it. However, some evidence suggested that people with MGUS also have a higher risk of venous thrombosis (blood clots in the veins), even though they do not have cancer or receive chemotherapy. Our preliminary data has shown that MGUS patients were more than four times as likely to experience a blood clot compared with people without MGUS. The reason for this increased risk is not well understood.
In this study, we will explore why MGUS increases the likelihood of blood clots by examining blood samples from MGUS patients with history of venous thrombosis. Using advanced laboratory tests, we will measure how blood clots form and dissolve in MGUS and look for specific markers that might explain this increased tendency to clot.
Understanding these mechanisms will help us to better identify which MGUS patients are most at risk and could benefit from closer monitoring or preventive treatment. This could lead to safer, more personalised care for MGUS patients.
Where will I study?
This PhD will be undertaken at the University of Aberdeen, which has a rich history of ground-breaking science and clinical treatment. The Institute of Medical Sciences is located within the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition (SMMSN) campus. The PhD candidate will join a vibrant community of students and postdoctoral fellows representing a range of nationalities. Our students contribute to publications in high-impact journals, present their research at national and international conferences, and actively lead engaging outreach and public engagement initiatives.
Training:
The PhD supervisors and staff will offer comprehensive support and training to ensure the PhD student will be fully prepared to make meaningful, efficient, and impactful progress towards their PhD. Specific training will be provided in the latest histology, microscopy and neuroscience techniques. The PhD student will receive career development support and training providing a platform for her/his scientific development. She/he will participate in study design and interpretation, manuscript preparation, conference presentations and student supervision. In addition to skill training provided by the project, they will be encouraged to undertake University of Aberdeen transferable skills courses (e.g. Research practice; Generic transferable skills; Computing; Home office licensing; & Statistics).
Candidate Background:
Would be suited to a candidate with minimal BSc or Masters degree or with clinical training and an interest in developing research and laboratory skills
Training in various haemostatic, biochemical and immunological based assays, as well as microscopy, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The student will also be trained in interpretation of clinical data and statistical analysis.
The University of Aberdeen actively encourages applications from diverse career paths and backgrounds—including those returning from a career break, industry or other roles—and across all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status, amongst other protected characteristics.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
- Please note: This is a self-funded opportunity only.
- Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/
- You should apply for Medical Sciences (MSc) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team.
- Please clearly note the name of the supervisor and the project title on the application form.
- Your application must include: a personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.
- If you are still undertaking your undergraduate degree, it is helpful to the selection panel if you could provide documentation showing your grades to date (this can be a screenshot from an online portal).
- Please note: Project supervisors will not respond to requests for funding assistance.
Funding Notes
This is a self-funded opportunity only.
Tuition fees for this programme are £5,006 pa. for UK/home students and £27,300 pa. for international students.
Additional research costs may also apply.
References
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