Summer research in School of Medical Sciences
Research project in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences
Research project in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences
The Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Birmingham makes a significant contribution to the pivotal area of modern medicine. We are leaders in the cardiovascular field, including atrial fibrillation and heart failure, thrombosis and haemostasis and vascular biology.
Project
Investigating haemostatic and non-haemostatic functions of platelets in health and disease.
Project lead
Prof. Steve P. Watson
Research objective
In this research project you will be working with the Birmingham Platelet Group that adopts a multidisciplinary approach in the investigation of platelet and megakaryocyte biology, which ranges from cell biology, signal transduction and functional studies. You will participate in one of the current research projects undertaken by the group of leading researchers.
Research project in the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences
Research project in the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences
The Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences integrates the major academic strengths of fundamental biomedical research with clinical trials of new therapies and surgical protocols. We apply the power of genomics to understand the molecular basis of cancer and other diseases, and implement this knowledge in the development of new clinical trials.
Project
Studying the biomedical implications of the autophagy–NAD axis in cell models of rare neurodegenerative diseases
Lead researcher: Dr Sovan Sarkar
Our recent research has demonstrated that the depletion of a metabolite called Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) triggers cell death through mitochondrial dysfunction during the loss of autophagy. Boosting intracellular NAD levels improved the viability of autophagy-deficient neuronal cells.
Research objective
Investigate the therapeutic benefits of candidate drugs targeting the autophagy–NAD axis in cell models of rare, childhood-onset neurodegenerative diseases associated with autophagy and NAD deficits. Evaluating the efficacy of pharmacological agents, including FDA-approved drugs and nutritional supplements, in rescuing multiple disease-relevant phenotypes and improving cell survival. Our research outcome informs new therapeutic interventions.
The techniques employed during research
Cell culture, drug treatment, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, fluorescence microscopy, assays for autophagy, cell death, NAD, mitochondrial function, aggresomes and cholesterol, image analysis, and statistical analysis.
Opportunities
Co-authorship in review and research publications, depending on writing skills and the generation of publication-quality data.
Research project in the Department of Metabolism and Systems Science
Research project in the Department of Metabolism and Systems Science
The interdisciplinary Department of Metabolism and Systems Science explores how hormones and interactions between cells and organ systems influence everything from obesity, digestion, pregnancy, and ageing through to endocrine cancers, translating exploratory science into new clinical practice, medical technologies, and therapeutic interventions.
Project
An opportunity to gain hands-on experience researching metabolism and endocrinology.
Research lead
Dr Angela Taylor and Dr Maria Makarova
In this 6-week summer research programme in the Department of Metabolism and Systems Science in the College of Medicine and Health, students will join and work with our Principal Investigators (PIs) in their research groups. You will learn research and analytical techniques, attend weekly skills sessions and have the opportunity to participate in seminars and other activities.
This programme has given me the confidence to go into my third year project and pursue my lab work independently. It was a great use of my summer break, contributing to meaningful research.