Cardiac remodelling and microvascular dysfunction after hypertensive pregnancy: mechanisms and therapeutic targets in preclinical models

Details

Women who develop high blood pressure in pregnancy (pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension) have a much higher lifetime risk of hypertension, heart failure and stroke. Our own follow-up studies show that 3-6 years after a hypertensive pregnancy around a third of women have developed new hypertension and a similar proportion show scarring (fibrosis) of the heart muscle. We do not know whether pregnancy itself injures the heart and small vessels or unmasks a pre-existing susceptibility, nor when or how best to intervene.

This PhD is the cardiovascular arm of a wider programme of work aiming to determine the mechanisms by which hypertensive disorders of pregnancy lead to long-term cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Using established murine models of chronic hypertension and pre-eclampsia, the student will assess cardiac structure and function and will test whether vasoactive treatments given during or after pregnancy prevent cardiac and microvascular injury. Methods will include blood pressure measurement, echocardiography (2D, tissue and pulse-wave Doppler, strain), histology for myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis, and ex vivo resistance artery studies using pressure/wire myography, calcium imaging and electrophysiology.

The project will run alongside human cohort studies in Manchester and is expected to identify treatment targets for an early-phase trial in women.

Eligibility

Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum 2:1 Bachelors Degree with Honours (or equivalent) in a related area/subject.

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

How to Apply

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Cardiovascular Sciences Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester

If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester

Funding Notes

Studentship funding is for 3.5 Years years starting January 2027, covering UK tuition fees and an annual stipend. The value of the stipend for the academic year 2026-27 will be aligned with the UKRI Stipend Level.