Project description

Primary supervisor - Professor Linda Troeberg

Our sense of sight is one of the most important ways we interact with and understand the world around us. The growth factor Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF) is required for the development and maintenance of the mammalian retina, but regulation of its abundance and activity remain poorly understood. This PhD project will address a critical gap in our knowledge by investigating how the localisation, stability, and functional availability of PEDF are regulated. You will investigate how PEDF interacts with components of the extracellular matrix (heparan sulfate proteoglycans, HSPGs) and a cellular scavenger receptor (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein, LRP1) to fine-tune its abundance and function within the retina. These regulatory systems are likely to be central to our ability to see, and will also help us understand how complex tissues like the retina organise growth factor signalling in development and adulthood.

As the successful applicant, you will receive interdisciplinary training in protein, molecular, and glycosaminoglycan biology, as well as cell- and tissue-based analyses. You will work across two research groups with complementary expertise: the Troeberg laboratory (post-translational regulation of growth factors) and the Grocott lab (developmental eye biology). You will also complete a placement at Ikarovec, a Norwich Research Park-based biotechnology company interested in PEDF’s role in the retina, where you will gain experience in applying academic discoveries for therapeutic innovation.

This project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to fundamental questions in molecular and developmental biology, while developing a highly transferable research skillset. Apply now to join a vibrant research environment at UEA and help uncover how growth factor signalling shapes vision. For more information, email us at l.troeberg@uea.ac.uk.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 30 April 2026.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/.

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.

Please read our application guidance to see our programme specific requirements, including proforma Research and Personal Statements: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/how-to-apply/application-steps/
To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website and must be used for these sections of the application form.

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Norwich Medical School equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Funding

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD CASE studentship with Ikarovec. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2026/7 stipend rate: £21,805), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.

References

Warner EF, Vaux L, Boyd K, Widdowson PS, Bonley KM, Osborne A. (2024). Ocular delivery of Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF) as a neuroprotectant for Geographic Atrophy. Aging Dis. 15(5):2003-2007. doi: 10.14336/AD.2024.0216-1. Betts JHJ, Hampton K, Strickland DK, Clark SJ, Day AJ, Troeberg L. (2025). Molecular determinants of extracellular TIMP-3 accumulation in Sorsby fundus dystrophy. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.05.19.654781 Osborne A, Boyd K, Vaux L, Widdowson PS, Binley K. Warner E. (2023). Evaluation of a novel bi-cistronic gene therapy for the treatment of geographic atrophy. ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract. https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2786145 Grocott T, Lozano-Velasco E, Mok GF, Münsterberg AE. (2020). The Pax6 master control gene initiates spontaneous retinal development via a self-organising Turing network. Development, dev.185827. https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.185827 Troeberg L, Lazenbatt C, Anower-E-Khuda MF, Freeman C, Federov O, Habuchi H, Habuchi O, Kimata K, Nagase H. (2014). Sulfated glycosaminoglycans control the extracellular trafficking and the activity of the metalloprotease inhibitor TIMP-3. Chem. Biol. 21, 1300–1309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chembiol.2014.07.014

Investigating molecular mechanisms that regulate abundance and activity of the growth factor PEDF in the retina (TROEBERG_U26CASE)

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Project description

Entry requirements

Funding

References