Investigating the role of E2 Ubiquitin ligase Ubc13 in the regulation of platelet function, haemostasis and thrombosis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. 80% of these CVD related deaths are caused by thrombosis, which is the formation of blood clots that can block the blood vessels of the heart or brain, leading to heart attacks and strokes. Thrombosis is triggered by inappropriate activation of blood cells called platelets. Understanding the processes that lead to, and control platelet activation, is essential if we are to develop drug therapies that are more effective at lowering the risk of thrombosis.

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of a Ubc13, an E2 ubiquitin ligase enzyme in platelets and megakaryocytes, the cells that make platelets. This project will explore how Ubc13 regulates platelet production and function which will enable us to determine whether targeting Ubc13 or it’s interacting partners could be a future anti-thrombotic strategy for the prevention and treatment of CVD 

This project will investigate the role of Ubc13 activity and K63 ubiquitination, in platelet production, reactivity and platelet-mediated thrombosis.

The project specific objectives are; 

1. Characterise the role of Ubc13-Uev1A in regulating megakaryocyte function and thrombopoiesis
2. Determine the role of Ubc13-Uev1A in regulating platelet function and haemostasis.
3. Test the ability of Ubc13-Uev1A inhibitors to prevent (in vitro) thrombosis.

Interviews for this studentship are scheduled for the week commencing Monday 12th August, and awards must be taken up by 1st October 2024.

Eligibility

This studentship is only available to applicants who are eligible to pay academic fees at the UK Home rate.

Applicants must be eligible under the UK Home Fee status criteria with, or expecting to obtain, at least an upper 2nd class (2:1) undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant area, which might include: medical sciences, biomedical sciences or biochemistry, Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of candidate potential.

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the Faculty’s English Language requirements, where applicable. The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Medicine is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

How to Apply

To apply for this scholarship opportunity, applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support your application. 

• A full academic CV
• Degree certificate and transcripts of marks (or marks so far if still studying)
• Evidence that you meet the programme’s minimum English language requirements (if applicable)

To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;

• Select PhD in Medicine as your planned programme of study
• Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert
• For source of funding please state that you are applying for a BHF PhD Studentship

For information about the project please contact Dr Amanda Unsworth: A.J.Unsworth@Leeds.ac.uk 

For further information about the admissions process please contact the FMH PGR Admissions Team: fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk