Alleviating futile autophagosome synthesis (FAS) for neuroprotection

DoS Professor Shouqing Luo ([Email Address Removed], tel.: 01752 583205)

2^nd Supervisor Dr Konstantin Glebov ([Email Address Removed])

3^rd Supervisor Dr Claire Adams ([Email Address Removed])

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1^st April 2021.

Project Description

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved degradation process that is critical for clearance of intracellular aberrant components. It is implicated in various human physiological and pathological conditions, especially in neurodegenerative diseases, which are a great challenge to the modern society. It is important to understand the pathways and mechanisms to the development of the devastating diseases. The PhD studentship aims to address a mechanism underlying neurodegeneration featured with protein aggregates from an angle of autophagy and autophagosome biogenesis, and investigate new therapeutic approaches for the diseases. Experiments will be performed using molecular and cell biological tools with cell lines, patient-derived IPSC-induced neurons, and other physiologically relevant models. Training will be provided for the development of both knowledge and technical skills to enable the trainee to conduct high-quality and independent scientific research in the fields of autophagy and programmed cell death. For more information, please see our recent publications: Button RW, et al, J Biol Chem 292:13599, 2017; Yang Y, et al, Nat Commun 10:3759, 2019; Roberts et al, Hum Mol Genet 29:216, 2020; Valionyte et al, J Mol Biol 432:2673, 2020; Li et al, Nature 575:203, 2019.

Eligibility

Applicants should have (at least) a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant MSc or MRes qualification.

The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £15,285 per annum. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home/EU fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to pay International fees will have to pay the difference between the Home/EU and the International tuition fee rates (approximately £12,763 per annum).

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Prof Shouqing Luo at [Email Address Removed]. However, applications must be made in accordance with the details shown below.

For general information about applying for a research degree at the University of Plymouth and to apply for this position please visit: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/your-studies/research-degrees/applicants-and-enquirers

Please mark it FAO the Doctoral College and clearly state that you are applying for a PhD studentship within the School of Medicine.

For more information on the admissions process the Doctoral College [Email Address Removed] .

The closing date for applications is noon on 1^st February 2021. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a reply by 1^st March 2021 should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.