PhD Studentship: Toxicity of nanoparticles on lung epithelial cells and pulmonary immune defences

Location: Southampton General Hospital

Closing Date:  Sunday 21 August 2016

Reference: 762216FC

Lead Institute / Faculty: Faculty of Medicine

Main Supervisor: Dr Jens Madsen (Medicine)

Other members of the supervisory team: Dr Sumeet Mahajan (Chemistry) and Prof Howard Clark (Medicine).

Duration of the award: 36 months – start autumn 2016, preferentially 26^th Sep 2016.

Project description:

Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly being used in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. While nanomaterials provide the potential for a wide range of benefits due to their unique properties, concerns have been raised about their potential impact on health.

The respiratory system is one of the key portals of entry into the body for NPs. In this project, we intend to understand the toxicodynamic interactions of engineered NPs in the lungs. We have previously shown in vitro how engineered NPs can modify mediated innate immune responses (1-3). However, in vivo studies are now needed, especially given the increasingly widespread use of nanomaterials, to improve our understanding of their potential toxicity to the pulmonary surfactant system.

The research aims of the project are:

A) To identify the in vitro role of selected particle properties on the interaction and toxicity of immunological proteins with a range of NPs using various methods and cell line as described previously (1-3).

B) In vivo models will be used to determine the role of immunological proteins on the translocation and clearance, as well as the inflammatory and cytotoxicity responses in the lung to a selection of characterised engineered NPs.

This is a multidisciplinary project that will involve training at different campuses at University of Southampton and also across several locations including the Toxicology Department at the Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards at Public Health England near Oxford.

References:

1.             Kendall et al. 2013. Surfactant protein D (SP-D) alters cellular uptake of particles and nanoparticles. Nanotoxicology.

2.             McKenzie et al. 2014. Amine-modification of nanoparticles increases toxicity by inhibiting aggregation and clearance by Surfactant protein A (SP-A). Nanotoxicology.

3.             McKenzie et al. 2015. Nanoparticles modulate surfactant protein A and D mediated protection against influenza A infection in vitro. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci.

Please contact: Dr Jens Madsen, j.madsen@southampton.ac.uk,

Person Specification: See below

The successful candidate is likely to have the following qualifications:

• A background in biology, cell biology, biochemistry or experimental biology
• A 1^stor 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline and/or second degree with a related Masters

Funding information: The wording of the funding information can only be 100 words in length.  Provide a link to either the funding criteria or terms and conditions.

The studentship is fully funded for UK/EU applicants (standard stipend (£14,296) and fees (£4,121) for 2016/17).

Administrative contact and how to apply:

Please complete the University's online application form, which you can find at

https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=4355&majr;=4355&term;=201617#_ga=1.106895747.1658067525.1460548452

You should enter Jens Madsen as your proposed supervisor. To support your application provide an academic CV (including contact details of two referees), official academic transcripts and a personal statement (outlining your suitability for the studentship, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date).

Informal enquiries relating to the project or candidate suitability should be directed to Jens Madsen (j.madsen@southampton.ac.uk).

Closing date:  21/08/2016

Interview date:  28/08/2016

Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification