Control of Intestinal Inflammation via Non-ionic Surfactant Vesicles

Supervisors 

Prof Craig W Roberts, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde

Dr John J Worthington, Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University

 

Summary

Intestinal inflammation is associated with a number of diseases of infectious and non-infectious etiology. We have recently found that synthetic vesicles formed largely from non-ionic surfactants can ameliorate LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages by modulating cell signaling events. Stabilization of these vesicles by incorporation of bile salts allows then to be administered orally and we have found that such vesicles retain their ability to control inflammation when administered in this way to mice. This project will use in vitro cell culture, including organoids, and murine models of intestinal inflammation to characterize the effects of these vesicles on intestinal cell function, integrity and associated immune cell function and interaction.

This project will provide the student with a comprehensive training in a broad range of biological in vitro and in vivo approaches; these will include advanced flow cytometry, primary cell isolation, organoids, microbial analysis, immunohistochemistry, qPCR, RNAseq and data analysis, cell culture, immunoassay and mouse inflammatory models. The student will further acquire transferable skills relevant to multiple careers: critical thinking; project design and Page 7 of 9 troubleshooting; teamwork; presentation and communication; time management; data analysis; supervision, leadership skills and more.