Biomarkers of Aging PhD 36 months PHD Programme By Loughborough University |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 551-600QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

36 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

27,500 Tuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

01 Apr, 2025Application Deadline

Programme overview

Main Subject

Biological Sciences

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

The global population is aging at an unprecedented rate, leading to a surge in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. The scarcity of effective interventions for these diseases is partly due to the lack of accurate predictive models that can enhance drug development. The challenge is compounded by the fact that a mere 2% of pharmaceuticals successfully penetrate the central nervous system (CNS).
In response to this critical need, our goal is to pioneer a novel blood-brain barrier (BBB) model that accurately represents the aged BBB. The creation of sophisticated in vitro cell models of aging offers a promising avenue to dissect the complexities of this phenomenon, providing a meticulously controlled setting to investigate the cellular and molecular transformations that accompany aging.
This model will be constructed using human cells arranged in a complex three-dimensional tissue-like structure. Our analytical focus will be on the transference of drugs across the BBB, alongside intervention studies aimed at rejuvenating the BBB to a state reminiscent of its youthful functionality. You will become partof a team that is part of the Wellcome Leap project “Dynamic Resilience” focusing on predicting frailty in humans.
Prof. Alexandra Stolzing is an internationally recognised expert in the ageing field and has worked within the University but also in start-ups and has experience in translating research. Dr. Sun Tao is an expert in cell models, quantitative prediction models and bioreactors.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Biological Sciences

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

The global population is aging at an unprecedented rate, leading to a surge in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. The scarcity of effective interventions for these diseases is partly due to the lack of accurate predictive models that can enhance drug development. The challenge is compounded by the fact that a mere 2% of pharmaceuticals successfully penetrate the central nervous system (CNS).
In response to this critical need, our goal is to pioneer a novel blood-brain barrier (BBB) model that accurately represents the aged BBB. The creation of sophisticated in vitro cell models of aging offers a promising avenue to dissect the complexities of this phenomenon, providing a meticulously controlled setting to investigate the cellular and molecular transformations that accompany aging.
This model will be constructed using human cells arranged in a complex three-dimensional tissue-like structure. Our analytical focus will be on the transference of drugs across the BBB, alongside intervention studies aimed at rejuvenating the BBB to a state reminiscent of its youthful functionality. You will become partof a team that is part of the Wellcome Leap project “Dynamic Resilience” focusing on predicting frailty in humans.
Prof. Alexandra Stolzing is an internationally recognised expert in the ageing field and has worked within the University but also in start-ups and has experience in translating research. Dr. Sun Tao is an expert in cell models, quantitative prediction models and bioreactors.

Admission Requirements

3.2+
6.5+
92+
Students will normally need to hold, or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) and ideally a Masters degree and/or relevant experience in a relevant discipline e.g. human biology/physiology, biological or biomedical science. Good team working, organisational and communication skills are essential. Experience of work with human participants, particularly older people, will be an advantage. Experience of collecting and handling samples will be desirable but training will be provided.

01 Apr 2025
3 Years
Apr

Domestic
4,786
International
27,500

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