PhD – How Gingival Inflammation Drives Systemic Inflammation: Decoding the Clues in Blood Cells using INVADEseq

Project Description

Periodontitis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases worldwide and is increasingly associated with a range of serious systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, Alzheimer’s disease, respiratory disorders, and certain cancers. While these associations are well established, the biological mechanisms linking oral disease to systemic illness remain poorly understood.

A leading hypothesis is that bacteria from the dysbiotic periodontal microbiome, or immune cells altered by exposure to these bacteria, enter the bloodstream and travel to distant tissues, driving chronic inflammation. Previous work has identified periodontal pathogens, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, associated with circulating immune cells, suggesting that specific immune cell populations may act as “carriers” transporting oral bacteria throughout the body. These cells have also been detected within atherosclerotic plaques, highlighting a potential role in cardiovascular disease progression.

This PhD project will use state-of-the-art single-cell sequencing technologies to investigate how oral bacteria interact with circulating immune cells and influence their behaviour, providing new insight into the links between periodontitis and systemic disease.

This PhD opportunity is a collaboration between the University of Glasgow Dental School and Industry Partners from Haleon, a multinational consumer healthcare company, whose purpose is to deliver better everyday health.

The student will receive extensive training, including training in conducting and co-ordinating clinical studies,  sample collection, single-cell RNA sequencing and 16S analysis,  and state of the art laboratory immune profiling techniques. The student will have the opportunity to enhance their communication and presentation skills with public engagement opportunities and scientific presentations. The student will work within a multidisciplinary team School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing working at the interface of clinical, bioinformatics and laboratory-based research.

The student will also work closely with Haleon, the industrial partner, providing regular updates, attending industry-led training events, and opportunity for industry placement.

Candidates should have a 2:1, preferably with relevant experience in immunology, microbiology, biomedical sciences or a healthcare profession. 

Funding Notes

Enhanced annual stipend, UKRI rates (£21,383 for 2026-27) + £2000/year top up from Industry Partner (Haleon).  Bench fees: £10,000 per year.

This prestigious studentship covers tuition fees, an annual stipend in excess of the UKRI rate for 3.5 years of studies and a generous budget for study running costs. This studentship offers only Home fees for UK students or students who are eligible for Home fees (e.g. those with settled status or of Irish citizenship). Suitable students should have as a minimum an upper second-class honours BSc.