Extracellular matrix regulation of extracellular vesicles

Description

Extracellular vesicles are a group of lipid particles secreted by cells as a means to regulate the behaviour of the tissue. Their importance is being increasingly appreciated in many different contexts including tissue regeneration, developmental processes, inflammation and cancer progression. A subtype of vesicle known as Matrix Bound Vesicles (MBV) are, exactly as their name suggest, bound by the proteinaceous network that cells interact with. These MBVs are effectively stored as in the matrix until they are required. The extracellular vesicles themselves can directly or indirectly modify the extracellular matrix, yielding a beautiful but intricate control system which allow dynamic changes to tissue in response to injury or during remodelling.

This is an exciting topic area and there is much still be learned about the control mechanisms that define these biological processes, and how they go wrong in conditions such as cancer or aging.

The specific question we want to address here relates to a highly structured region of extracellular matrix known as a basement membrane (BM). BMs regulate almost all attached cell behaviour through a variety of mechanisms; proving ligands for cell surface receptors, and by presenting a defined biomechanical environment. BMs are also dynamic, changing in their composition and organisation during times of remodelling.

We hypothesise that extracellular vessicles are important contributors to BM remodelling and that BM remodelling in turn leads to release of matrix bound vessicles. In this project we will test these hypotheses and, also examine the role of the network status of different BM components in these processes.

This exciting project has scope to develop in different directions depending on what skills, experience and career path the successful applicant would like to pursue. A background in cell/molecular biology or biochemistry would be beneficial, as would experience in proteomics/transcriptomics. However, all training will be provided. Your supervisory team draws expertise from different disciplines and the successful applicant would be outgoing and dynamic in their outlook, able to push their project forward with their enthusiasm.

Applications with CV and cover letter should be made to  in the first instance, and we will arrange an informal chat followed by interview. Only when a candidate is selected following interview will a formal online application be required.

Applications are accepted at any time.