Identifying novel pheno-endotypes in children with chronic cough

Overview

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Chronic wet cough is among the commonest symptoms of chronic lung disease. In Australia, the most common cause of childhood chronic wet cough is protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB), a clinical entity we first described. It has now been shown to be a precursor to bronchiectasis, which causes substantial morbidity and mortality, especially from acute respiratory exacerbations. Lung inflammation in children with persistent chronic wet cough is an important driver of ongoing and progressive tissue damage, leading to bronchiectasis, highlighting the need for optimal care in preventing irreversible lung damage and improving clinical outcomes.

Biomarkers add to clinical decision-making by informing diagnosis during stable and acute phases of disease, making them useful for diagnostic and disease progression monitoring, as well as patient’s response to therapy. However, no biomarkers currently exist.  This project will investigate biomarker signatures and their clinical utility in chronic wet cough.

This project is supported with a 3-year scholarship as part of our Centre for Research Excellence in preventing and managing bronchiectasis.

Research activities

You will be required to participate in a 3-year full-time PhD program. Our group has a large biobank of samples with detailed clinical information which will form the basis for the research. Specific activities include:

• identifying samples for analysis from the biobank and preparation of the samples for RNA sequencing
• perform bioinformatic analysis under the support of a bioinformatician
• investigate if extracellular vesicles can be identified from blood, urine and/or saliva, and if their gene expression profile can be used diagnostically.

The project will be based at the Centre for Children’s Health Research, Brisbane and you will join a multi-disciplinary team undertaking several paediatric respiratory clinical trials (funded by NHMRC/MRFF). The successful applicant will be a key member of the laboratory team and will also be involved in the clinical trials.

Outcomes

This project aims to identify gene expression signatures that are associated with chronic wet cough in children and to determine whether they can be used diagnostically. This will support development of tests that inform earlier diagnosis, can be used to monitor disease progression and to understand response to treatment interventions. This research will also advance our understanding of the pathobiological pathways involved in PBB and bronchiectasis.

Skills and experience

It is preferable that you have:

• a bachelor's or master's degree in science
• a degree with a substantial research project (e.g., research master's degree, bachelor's degree with honours)
• experience in basic laboratory skills including primary cell culture and gene expression studies
• experience in clinical research and an understanding of Good Clinical Practice
• excellent interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated ability to work in teams.

Your expression of interest (EOI) submission should contain:

• your CV
• a copy of your academic transcript
• a short statement of research interests, including reasons for pursuing this PhD program (max. 150 words).

Email your EOI directly to Associate Professor Stephanie Yerkovich via email s.yerkovich@qut.edu.au.

Keywords

• chronic cough
• gene expression
• paediatrics
• biomarkers
• extracellular vesicles

Contact

Contact the supervisor, Associate Professor Stephanie Yerkovich, for more information.