Disrupting Immune Responses to Reverse Fibrosis

Intestinal fibrosis is a debilitating complication affecting a significant portion of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD). Chronic inflammation within the intestinal tract leads to excessive collagen production by fibroblasts, resulting in luminal narrowing, obstruction, and a significant decline in quality of life.

Recent studies have suggested a potential role for interleukin-24 (IL-24) in the pathogenesis of IBD. IL-24 is a cytokine with both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been implicated in various fibrotic diseases.

This research aims to investigate the specific role of IL-24 in driving intestinal fibrosis in IBD, with a particular focus on its ability to activate transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), a key mediator of fibrosis.

Specific Research Questions:

1. Expression of IL-24 and TGF-beta in fibrotic intestinal tissue: Are IL-24 and TGF-beta upregulated in fibrotic regions of the intestine in IBD patients?
2. IL-24-mediated activation of TGF-beta: Does IL-24 directly or indirectly stimulate the production and activation of TGF-beta in intestinal fibroblasts?
3. Role of TGF-beta in IL-24-induced fibrosis: What are the downstream effects of TGF-beta activation in promoting intestinal fibrosis?
4. Therapeutic potential of targeting IL-24 or TGF-beta: Can inhibiting IL-24 or TGF-beta pathways be a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or treating intestinal fibrosis in IBD?

Potential Outcomes:

• Identification of a novel therapeutic target: If IL-24 is found to play a critical role in driving intestinal fibrosis, targeting this cytokine or its downstream signalling pathways could represent a promising therapeutic approach.
• Improved understanding of IBD pathogenesis: Elucidating the role of IL-24 and TGF-beta in intestinal fibrosis will contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying IBD and inform the development of more effective treatments.

By addressing these research questions, this project has the potential to make significant contributions to the field of IBD research and improve the lives of countless patients.

A World-Class Research Environment

This project will be conducted at the University of Queensland (UQ) Mater Research Institute within the Translational Research Institute (TRI). The TRI is a state-of-the-art facility that houses over 1200 dedicated research scientists and students, creating a dynamic and collaborative environment.

As a TRI member, you will have access to cutting-edge research infrastructure, including:

• Flow cytometry: Analyse cell populations and measure cellular properties with precision.
• Microscopy: Explore cellular and molecular structures using advanced imaging techniques.
• Specialised equipment: Utilise a wide range of equipment and resources to support your research.

Beyond the exceptional facilities, the TRI offers a strong network of research support professionals who are committed to your success. You will also have the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors and collaborate with other researchers from diverse fields.

Support for PhD Students

As a PhD student, you will benefit from the comprehensive support provided by UQ and the Mater Student Committee (sMater). These organisations offer a range of resources and opportunities, including:

• Mentorship and guidance: Receive personalised support from experienced researchers.
• Professional development: Access workshops, training programs, and networking events.
• Financial assistance: Explore funding options to support your research and living expenses.
• Community engagement: Connect with other PhD students and build a strong support network.

Skills Development

Throughout your time in the program, you will gain valuable hands-on experience with a variety of research techniques, including:

• Flow cytometry: Analyse cell populations and measure cellular properties.
• Histology: Prepare and examine tissues for microscopic analysis.
• Confocal microscopy: Obtain high-resolution images of cells and tissues.
• Pre-clinical animal work: Conduct animal experiments to study disease models.

By developing these skills, you will be well-prepared for a successful career in research.

This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.

You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.

Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a supervisor.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

Demonstrated experience in molecular biology techniques, including but not limited to PCR gel electrophoresis and cell culture flow cytometry would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for immunology research, scientific enquiry and academic achievement in the field of biology, immunology or a related field.

A background or knowledge of molecular biology, and a strong publication record, ideally including peer-reviewed articles is highly desirable.

This project represents a collaborative effort between scientific researchers and clinician researchers, ensuring that our research is clinically relevant and has a direct impact on patient care. By combining expertise from diverse fields, we aim to develop innovative strategies to address the challenges posed by intestinal fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The findings from this research may also have broader implications for understanding and treating fibrosis in other diseases, such as liver disease. By exploring the underlying mechanisms of fibrosis, we can potentially identify novel therapeutic targets that could benefit patients with various fibrotic conditions.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 1, 2026. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 30 September, 2025 30 June, 2025.

You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. Contact Associate Professor Sumaira Hasnain (sumaira.hasnain@mater.uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• My higher degree is not collaborative
• I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
• UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.

Apply now