About the Project

This fully-funded PhD studentship, supported by Medical Research Scotland (MRS), will be delivered jointly by the University of Aberdeen and Vesiculab Ltd. The studentship provides the first-class academic and industry training needed to equip the successful candidate for a scientific career in an increasingly competitive market.

Supervisory Team

• Dr Nimesh Mody, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen
• Professor Mirela Delibegovic, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen
• Dr Naveed Akbar, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford
• Dr Dimitri Aubert, Vesiculab Ltd

Project Description

Atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels, is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. Recent research shows that tiny particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs), released by unhealthy cells, can carry harmful molecules that worsen this disease. These EVs are produced when lipotoxic pathways increase in the liver, especially in response to unhealthy diets or inflammation. This leads to higher levels of lipotoxicity and insulin resistance linked to both liver and heart disease. Our previous work and other studies have shown that blocking this pathway could reduce disease risk. This project aims to test whether turning off specific genes in liver cells using a targeted therapy, can decrease lipotoxic levels of these harmful molecules and EVs, and thereby slow down processes linked to atherosclerosis in disease models. You will study how these isolated EVs affect other cells involved in blood vessel health and inflammation. Specifically, you will determine the role of EV-mediated communication to the increased buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels in functional in vivo and cellular assays. By understanding and blocking this harmful cell-to-cell communication, our research could lead to new treatments for atherosclerosis and related conditions, improving heart and liver health for many people. In addition, you will gain hands-on experience with the industrial collaborator since the proposed project aligns closely with their strategic and commercial objectives by advancing the applications and development of our solutions for EV production, isolation, and sample preparation.

Enquiries are encouraged! for further information please contact Dr Nimesh Mody (n.mody@abdn.ac.uk)

Candidate Background

Applicants must have obtained, or expect to obtain, a first class UK honours degree or a 2:1 honours degree, or equivalent for degrees obtained outside the UK, in a relevant subject. It would be desireable for the candidate to have experience in cell culture and isolation and characterisation of extracellular vesicles.