[ad_1] Project Title: Assessing the impact of gut dysregulation in critical illness, and its functional consequences on the gut-brain
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Project Title:
Assessing the impact of gut dysregulation in critical illness, and its functional consequences on the gut-brain axis
Lead Institute / Faculty: University of Southampton, Human Development and Health
Main Supervisor: Professor Jonathan Swann
Other members of the supervisory team:
Dr Rebecca Cusack and Dr Ahilanandan Dushianthan
Duration of the award: Four years of stipend, full time.
Start date: 01/10/2023
Project description:
This project will improve our understanding of the role of the gut-brain axis in the pathophysiology of mental ill-health following critical illness. This will be achieved by characterising the gut microbiota of critically-ill mechanically ventilated patients, and studying gut-brain metabolomic communications and their association with mental health outcomes
Growing evidence describes a bidirectional communication between the gut and brain: “the gut-brain axis” (GBA). The gut microbiota is central to this network producing neuro-modulatory compounds and altering the bioavailability of important precursors. Whilst dynamic perturbations in the gut microbiota resulting from critical illness and related clinical interventions are significant, the exact link between critical illness, gut microbiome changes and the development of post-ICU cognitive and mental health impairments have not been characterised. As such, there is an unmet need to understand the gut microbial contribution to post-ICU dysregulation and develop interventions to prevent or treat the debilitating cognitive and mental health impairments that are suffered by more than 40% of survivors of critical illness.
Here, critically ill patients will be studied longitudinally from ICU admission to 3 months post-recovery. Temporal changes in their gut microbiota, and their biochemical interactions with the human host will be measured, as will their psychological health during the recovery period. This will be followed by a mechanistic study using laboratory in vitro human gut model systems to assess the potential of gut microbiota targeted dietary interventions to favourably alter these mechanisms.
This is a joint PhD between the University of Southampton and the University of Reading. The student will be registered and spend most of their time in Southampton. The student will gain experience in NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, microbiology, bioinformatics, and critical care. They will also have the opportunity to present research findings at international scientific meetings.
The successful candidate is likely to have the following qualifications:
- A 1st or 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline and/or second degree with a related Masters.
Funding information:
Due to funding restrictions this position is only open to UK applicants. This PhD studentship is funded for four years stipend and fees up to and including nominal registration. Funded by BRC and University of Reading. Amount of stipend £18,622.00 plus fees at UK residency rate only
Administrative contact and how to apply:
Please complete the University’s online application form, which you can find by clicking the ‘Apply’ button, above.
You should enter Professor Jonathan Swann 18622.00 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 Professor Jonathan Swann (j.swann@soton.ac.uk).
Closing date: 31/07/2023
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