PhD Research Project

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Screening for novel regulators of muscle stem cell function screening for novel regulators of muscle stem cell function

Institution:

King’s College London

Dept/School/Faculty:

Dental Institute

PhD Supervisor:

Dr R Knight

Co-Supervisor:

Dr P Zammit

Application Deadline:

No more applications being accepted

Funding Availability:

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

PhD Research Project

Click here to visit the King’s College London website

Damaged skeletal muscle is repaired by specialised muscle stem cells that are associated with the muscle fibres.Inefficient repair of muscle by these stem cells following trauma, disease or ageing can lead to muscle weakness and degeneration.

Our research aims to identify molecules that regulate muscle stem function. We will initially use zebrafish and single muscle fibre culture systems. A chemical biology approach will be used to screen for bioactive molecules, in conjunction with imaging of muscle stem cells in vivo in zebrafish larvae, to determine how selected molecules regulate muscle stem cell behaviour.

The relevance of these results to mammalian systems will then be tested in vitro and in vivo using mouse models. This project will offer training in several exciting new fields of biology: chemical biology, in vivo imaging of cell behaviour using confocal microscopy, genomics approaches as well as molecular and cell biology techniques. King’s College London has one of the largest groupings of muscle biologists in the country, providing an excellent supportive environment for this project (website).

Candidates are expected to have the minimum of a first or upper second class BSc degree in an appropriate subject, which includes molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics or related subjects. Experience in lab work will be a distinct advantage.

Funding Notes:

There is no associated funding for this PhD position.

European/UK students only

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