MCTR3 signalling in synovial inflammation and tissue repair
Queen Mary University of London
Not stated
- Funding
- Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
- Application deadline
- 1 October 2026
About the project
About the Project Failure to resolve synovial inflammation drives pain, tissue destruction and disability in rheumatoid arthritis. Maresin conjugates in tissue regeneration (MCTRs) are endogenous mediators that promote resolution and tissue repair, but the receptor-linked mechanisms that connect MCTR3 signalling to synovial-cell reprogramming remain incompletely defined. This project will establish how MCTR3 activates its cognate receptor and reprogrammes synovial macrophages and fibroblasts, linking receptor signalling to cellular metabolism, tissue-specific responses and repair pathways in experimental and human arthritis. The doctoral candidate will: Characterise MCTR3 receptor signalling, second-messenger responses and downstream phosphoproteomic pathways. Define how MCTR3 reprogrammes macrophage and fibroblast metabolism, efferocytosis and reparative functions. Validate key pathways in experimental arthritis and human synovial-tissue systems to identify tractable therapeutic checkpoints. Training and research environment GPCR pharmacology; second-messenger analysis; mammalian cell culture; phosphoproteomics; lipidomics and metabolomics; macrophage and fibroblast functional assays; transcriptomics; immunology; and human tissue analysis. Candidate profile A background in pharmacology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology or cell signalling, with experience in mammalian cell culture and quantitative laboratory methods. A strong interest in receptor pharmacology is essential. Candidates of any nationality are welcome to apply. Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain by October 2026, a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) that permits doctoral enrolment at QMUL. Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree, must be proficient in English, and must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their principal activity in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately preceding recruitment. Application information For more information, please visit: https://harpnet.eu/recruitment/ For any queries related to the applications please contact: info@harpnet.eu or j.dalli@qmul.ac.uk