MRC: Investigating genetic modifiers to modulate the development of stroke caused by mutations in collagen

Deadline: Rolling selection process. First round application closing date: May 6 2013. Second round closing date: July 1 2013
Stipend: £13,726 per annum
Start date: October 2013

This MRC funded project provides students with cutting-edge research opportunities in Medical Research. Projects will align with MRC strategic priorities, www.mrc.ac.uk

COL4A1 and COL4A2 (collagen IV alpha chain 1 and 2) are major components of the basement membrane, a specialised extracellular matrix structure that separates the endothelium from smooth muscle cells in the vasculature. COL4A1 and COL4A2 mutations lead to clinical defects including haemorrhagic stroke, muscular dystrophy as well as eye and kidney disease. The mutations have been associated with basement membrane defects but they can also cause endoplasmic reticulum stress. Therefore, the disease causing mechanism remains unknown. This poor understanding of the molecular and cellular consequences of collagen IV mutations has hampered the development of potential treatments for these currently incurable diseases. Thus, this project will determine the mechanisms by which collagen IV mutations cause disease to modulate these disease pathways. To investigate novel pathways that influence clinical outcome in patients, experiments will be performed to characterise genetic modifiers that underlie the absence of disease development in unaffected carriers of a COL4A2 mutation. By determining the molecular mechanism of collagen IV mutations and modulating pathways that can influence disease development, this project may identify future treatment avenues for collagen IV patients. These data may also be applicable to other diseases in which ER-stress and/or basement membrane defects have been implicated.

Visit our website for more information: http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/mvls/graduateschool/researchopportunities/scholarshipopportunities/medicalresearchcouncil/#tabs=0

Applicant Instructions

These are 3.5-year PhD studentships and students should apply online here: http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/

Applicants will normally be expected to reside (or have residency) within the UK. EU nationals will have to demonstrate that they have spent the three years prior to application resident in the UK (this can include residence whilst undertaking undergraduate study). Applicants should have obtained, or expect to obtain a 2:1 or 1st class Honours degree in a relevant subject. The financial package will include a 3.5 year stipend, approved University fees, Research Training Support Grant and a conference allowance.

On the Programme of Study section of the application please select “MVLS PhD” from the drop down menu. On this same page please place the project title(s) within the free text area and note the project supervisor(s).

Please ensure that all supporting documents are uploaded at point of application, for example:
- Copy of Academic and Professional qualifications
- CV (including letter of application/personal statement)
- 2 x references

Further supporting documents are requested on the online applications system, and should be uploaded where relevant. General enquiries regarding the programme and application procedure should be directed to Alexis Merry: [Email Address Removed]