J Burton

Sarcopenia, defined as the loss of skeletal muscle strength and mass, is a significant complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those undergoing haemodialysis (HD). This condition leads to increased hospitalisation, reduced quality of life, and premature mortality, affecting up to 40% of advanced CKD patients. Despite its prevalence, the underlying causes and effective treatments for sarcopenia in HD patients remain poorly understood. This PhD project, based at the University of Leicester's Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, is integrated with the NIHR-funded STIM-HD study—a multi-centre randomised controlled trial investigating neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as a potential therapy for sarcopenia. The research will leverage skeletal muscle biopsies collected from HD patients participating in the trial to explore the molecular mechanisms of muscle wasting and assess the impact of NMES intervention on muscle phenotype. The project is structured into three main components: First, it will characterise the prevalence and clinical manifestations of sarcopenia in the STIM-HD cohort, using comprehensive clinical data including muscle strength, mass, physical function, body composition, and patient-reported outcomes. Second, it will compare the molecular phenotype of skeletal muscle in HD patients to healthy controls, examining fibre size, fibre type, mitochondrial function, and changes in the muscle transcriptome and proteome. This analysis aims to identify dysregulated pathways involved in muscle atrophy, regeneration, inflammation, and metabolic regulation. Third, the project will evaluate the effects of NMES intervention on muscle biopsy samples, focusing on changes in fibre size, fibre type, mitochondrial structure, and molecular profiles. The successful candidate will receive multidisciplinary training in clinical research, skeletal muscle biology, multi-omics data analysis, and advanced imaging techniques, contributing to a major clinical trial and generating new insights into the biological mechanisms of sarcopenia in CKD. The findings may identify novel therapeutic targets to improve muscle health and physical function in this vulnerable population. Funding is provided through the CLS/Stoneygate Trust studentship, covering UK tuition fees and a stipend at UKRI rates (£21,805 per annum for 2026/7). International applicants are welcome but must fund the difference between UK and overseas fees (£19,012 per year), as well as visa, NHS, and travel costs. Applicants should have a strong academic background in biological or medical sciences, ideally with experience in molecular biology, clinical research, or data analysis. For further information or project enquiries, contact Dr Emma Watson at [email protected]. Application instructions are available on the University of Leicester funded opportunities webpage. The deadline for applications is April 9, 2026.