Running on Empty: Metabolic Ageing in Blood Stem Cells (RUSHWORTH_U26DTP)

As the global population ages, it is increasingly important to understand the biological changes that drive physiological ageing. Ageing is associated with intrinsic metabolic alterations that disrupt tissue function and contribute to a wide range of age-related diseases. This PhD project will explore how metabolic ageing impacts blood stem cells, with a particular focus on glutamine metabolism and its role in sustaining blood production.

While our previous work has shown that the bone marrow environment contributes to the impaired immune response seen in aged individuals, emerging data indicate that blood stem cells themselves also acquire intrinsic metabolic defects. This project will investigate these cell-intrinsic metabolic changes and determine how they affect stem-cell function and metabolic output.

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in state-of-the-art technologies, including primary cell isolation, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and functional metabolic assays. Core techniques will include flow cytometry (FACS), LC–MS-based metabolite tracing, qPCR, western blotting, ELISA, and metabolic flux analysis. This broad and multidisciplinary skillset will equip the student with highly transferable expertise to support a successful future career in scientific research.

The project will be based in the Rushworth Lab at Norwich Medical School, UEA, which provides state-of-the-art research facilities embedded within a vibrant and collaborative medical research environment.