Understanding skeletal tissue responses to sex and menopause in osteoarthritis
- Funding
- Self-funded
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Apply by
- Start date
- Year round
- Subject area
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
In this project, our main objective is to describe how sex and menopause contribute to OA development at the individual, tissue and cellular levels.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major chronic degenerative joint disease that affects a significant number of the ageing population representing the largest cause of disability and pain in people over 50 years of age. Despite this high prevalence and severity, there are still very limited treatment options available. OA pathology affects all tissues of the musculoskeletal system, including articular cartilage degeneration, osteophyte formation, ligament ossification, subchondral bone sclerosis and loss of muscle mass. It is also clear that women develop more severe disease, especially following the menopause, and that hormone replacement therapy is not a successful avenue to decrease OA development.
Sex dimorphisms are clear in skeletal tissues in general, however the large majority of research is still being performed on male tissues and in vivo models. A consequence of this is the lack of knowledge about how female sex and specific events such as the menopause affect articular function and health, and their impact on OA development.
In this project, our main objective is to describe how sex and menopause contribute to OA development at the individual, tissue and cellular levels.
This project will include a number of varied and complementary skills in a multidisciplinary training environment: the student will learn in vivo skills in mice, in vitro models that recapitulate the mechanical environment of the cells, as well as in silico computer modelling to assess how individual tissue functions affect overall joint OA development.
Output measures will be measured by a range of methods such as state-of-the-art imaging (micro-CT), histological assessment of these tissues using various embedding methods and staining, RNA-sequencing and the use of pathway analysis tools. In parallel, the student will gain experience in measuring mechanical properties of tissues across the scales, as well as exploring the effects of the mechanical environment in vivo and in vitro. Finally, the computer modelling will be used to test mechanical tissue interactions and their potential effects on bone structure and function, and compared directly with in vivo datasets. This wide range of skills that the student will develop across the project will support their development in research and make them very competitive for their future careers, with very complete and varied research skills.
In parallel, the student will be supported in developing non-lab based skills such research communication (e.g., national and international conferences, with their own peers in the University, and with the public), time and project management, and grant writing. In addition, their career development will be supported across a wide range of training opportunities within the University and when needed via external providers. These may include mentorship for grant/fellowship applications, networking, career development options and networking.
This project is open to self-funded UK and international applicants.
To apply to this project, email your CV and cover letter to the primary supervisor: b.poulet@liverpool.ac.uk
You may need the following documents to complete your online application:
Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £5,006
Full-time place, per year - £31,250
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this project.
This opportunity is for students with their own funding. Funding should cover course fees, living expenses and research expenses (bench fees). The research group cannot provide supplementary funding or provide advice about how to apply for funding.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.
There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.
My qualifications are from United Kingdom.
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