Dissecting palmoplantar wound healing in health and disease

Our skin acts as a barrier protecting the insides of our body from the environment around us. An important part of this protection is our skin’s ability to rapidly repair itself following injury. Skin wound healing is almost exclusively studied on body skin. However, the skin on our palms and soles (palmoplantar skin) is quite different to hairy body skin. It is specially adapted to withstand increased stresses that come with activities such as walking or lifting. Some of these adaptations are only seen in body skin during trauma such as wound healing. It is expected that these differences would impact on how palmoplantar skin heals and yet there are very limited studies on wound healing in this skin site. One reason for this lack of knowledge is that it is difficult to access samples of palm and sole skin. A greater understanding of palmoplantar wound healing could help in the management of conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers, which remain challenging to treat.

Using a combination of advanced single cell transcriptomics, in vivo disease models and histology techniques, the aims of this project are to use mouse paw skin as a novel model of human palm/sole skin to gain knowledge on wound healing in this skin site in both healthy mice and in a disease model of a condition that manifests specifically in palmoplantar skin. In addition, a novel 3D in vitro wound healing model, using sole-derived human skin cells, will be established to explore therapeutic targets of interest.

We are looking for a highly self-motivated and enthusiastic graduate with an interest in Skin Wound Healing and experience in Molecular Biology to join the labs of Dr Blaydon and Dr Rognoni based in the Blizard Institute (Whitechapel campus), within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London. The ideal candidate will possess at least an upper second-class honours degree, but preferably an MSc, and be able to work independently, as well as part of a team. During the course of their PhD, the student will gain expertise in working with mice; generation and analysis of single cell RNA sequencing data; keratinocyte cell culture, including generation of 3D models; immunofluorescent staining and microscopy and will have opportunities to present their work at national and international meetings.

The Blizard Institute provides a stimulating scientific environment and state of the art infrastructure and facilities. The high calibre of research conducted at the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FMD) of QMUL is internationally recognised. In REF 2021, 91% of the FMD’s research output was classed World Leading or Internationally Excellent and QMUL consolidated its position within the UK’s top 10 multi-faculty Colleges.

Interviews will take place shortly after the deadline for submission of applications. The studentship is available immediately and the candidate should be available to start in April 2025 or shortly thereafter. 

Please apply using this link: IPP login screen