Building Human Nerve-to-Muscle Systems to Transform Muscular Dystrophy Research

About the project

About the Project Imagine being able to build a miniature human neuromuscular system in the laboratory and use it to study devastating diseases that currently have no cure. Muscular dystrophies affect millions of people worldwide, causing progressive muscle weakness, loss of mobility and reduced quality of life. Despite significant advances in biomedical research, many promising therapies fail during development because existing laboratory models do not accurately replicate how human muscles and nerves interact. This exciting PhD project aims to develop an advanced human neuromuscular junction model using stem-cell derived motor neurons and engineered skeletal muscle tissues. The neuromuscular junction is the critical connection that allows nerves to communicate with muscles and control movement. Defects in this system contribute to multiple neuromuscular disorders, including muscular dystrophies. As a PhD researcher, you will create and characterise a physiologically relevant in vitro model capable of reproducing key features of human neuromuscular function. You will use cutting-edge techniques in tissue engineering, stem cell biology, biomaterials and functional assessment to investigate how disease alters communication between nerves and muscles. Working within a multidisciplinary team spanning Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham, you will gain hands-on experience with advanced cell culture, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), tissue engineering, microscopy, image analysis, molecular biology and functional testing of engineered tissues. The project has strong translational potential. By generating more representative human disease models, this research could accelerate drug discovery, reduce reliance on animal testing, and improve the development of future therapies for neuromuscular diseases. This studentship offers an exceptional opportunity to be part of a rapidly growing area of regenerative medicine and bioengineering research while developing highly sought-after skills that are valued across academia, biotechnology, pharmaceutical companies and the wider life sciences sector. What You Will Gain Training in advanced stem cell and tissue engineering techniques. Experience working with world-leading researchers across two universities. Opportunities to present at national and international conferences. Development of high-demand skills relevant to biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Supervisory team Dr Livia Santos Professor Yang Wei chris.denning@nottingham.ac.uk - University of Nottingham The closing date for applications is Thursday 22 October 2026 for a January 2027 start.

Research areas