Understanding the functional consequences of age on mechanotransduction in anorectum

University of Brighton supervisory team

Project in detail

Lower bowel dysfunction (faecal incontinence and chronic constipation) are common disorders of older people affecting one-third of over 65-year-olds in the community and more than half of those in care homes. To the sufferer the symptoms can cause significant embarrassment, loss of dignity and quality of life (far greater than that observed in patients suffering with cancer and dementia). To the health service the cost of treating such conditions reached £1 billion in 2010. The number of people aged 65 years and over will increase by more than 40 per cent within 20 years, making this a major social and economic problem. Yet despite this knowledge the causes of age–related lower bowel dysfunction is an under-researched health problem.

Appropriate defaecation in the lower bowel requires the detection of the presence of stool and coordinated activities of the muscles that control the ano-rectum. Stool detection is achieved through luminal stimulation of mucosally located enterochromaffin cells. These enterochromaffin cells are key transducers responding to luminal responses and releasing serotonin towards neuronal plexi within the bowel wall. This drives the movement of faecal matter into the rectum from the distal/sigmoid colon, stretches the wall of the rectum activating two intrinsic reflexes. These reflexes evoke a strong contraction of the rectum, (the recto-rectal reflex; R-R reflex) and a coordinated relaxation of the IAS, (the recto-anal inhibitory reflex; RAIR) allowing the movement of faecal matter out of the body. Understanding the mechanisms by which the natural ageing process impacts on these reflexes and the contribution these changes make to faecal impaction and chronic constipation, will provide us with novel drug targets that could prevent these functional bowel disorders and reduce the incidence of age-related FI.

This funding will provide a unique opportunity for a student to study at the chemistry-biology interface an area of strength and focus in the Centre for Stress and Age-Related Disease. This work will focus on in vivo and ex vivo studies utilizing state-of-the-art electrochemical techniques for monitoring 5-HT signaling in the lower bowel, electrophysiological recordings to understand how age changes the function of muscle cells/neurons that control function of the lower bowel and a range of functional assays to study lower bowel function.

We are seeking a highly motivated student who is keen to work at the chemistry-biology interface to develop a set of innovative skills to examine the functional consequences of age on mechanotransduction in anorectum.

Entry requirements

Academic entry requirements

Applicants should have, or be expected to achieve, a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or comparable qualifications from another recognised university.

Applicants are also required to submit a 500 word statement on their motivation for conducting this project and providing the key skills that they can bring to this project.

Residential eligibility

Due to the post’s funding it is only open to home or EU applicants as defined by the Fees Regulations. Please note that a Visa to study in the UK may apply for candidates who do not meet Home fee regulations.

English language entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must have successfully completed a Secure English language Test (SELT) in the last two years. Applicants who have obtained or are studying for a UK degree may apply without a SELT. However, the university may request a SELT is taken as part of any award made.

English language IELTS requirements are overall score of 6.5, with 6.5 in reading and writing, 6.0 in listening and speaking.

If you have an English language qualification other than IELTS, please contact us to see if you are eligible to apply for a studentship. The UK Home Office will not accept TOEFL tests as proof of meeting the English language requirements.

Funding

The studentship will cover tuition fees at the standard postgraduate home/EU plus an annual maintenance stipend at the UKRI rate (£15,285 2020-2021 rate). 

Contact us

Guide to making your application

We will only consider complete applications. The research degree application is complete once you have uploaded all of the following:

• Statement of approximately 500 words discussing your motivation for conducting this project and providing the key skills that you can bring to this project

• Copies of your bachelors and master certificates, including transcripts

• Copy of your IELTS (or equivalent) certificate (if applicable)

• Copy of your passport

• Two references uploaded or requested - one must be an academic reference from your most recent period of study. Both must have been written within the last year.

To submit your application please follow these steps:

• 1. Click the 'apply online now' button, on the right.

• 2. Select 'register and start a new application', to create your user account.

• 3. Once you are logged in, select 'apply to a new course'.

• 4. Select the type of course 'research degree'.

• 5. Select mode of study 'full-time'.

• 6. Select 'Doctoral College'.

• 7. Select ‘mechanotransduction in anorectum’.

• 8. Select the course 'PhD'.

• 9. Click 'apply'.

You will now be able to complete the online application form.