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Accumulation of hyper-phosphorylated tau is a key event in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aberrant changes in tau cause synaptic abnormalities and cognitive deficits in early AD. Consequently limiting the aberrant effects of tau on synaptic function may prevent the synaptic abnormalities underlying AD-related cognitive deficits. Cannabinoids are known to have protective actions in the CNS, and recent evidence supports a role for cannabidiol (CBD) in the protective actions. However, we have limited knowledge of whether CBD has the ability to prevent the aberrant effects of tau at synapses that occur in AD. Here we propose to explore this using cell-based models that mirror tau-related synaptic dysfunction, and a combination of electrophysiology, immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy to monitor effects on hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission and glutamate receptor trafficking. The therapeutic potential of CBD will be addressed by assessing effects on the synaptic targeting of tau and related hippocampal synaptic impairments, in tau models and P301L transgenic mice. To assess if CBD alleviates tau-linked memory deficits we will use behavioural assays to measure hippocampal-dependent memory in P301L mice. This study will greatly increase our understanding of tau-related synaptic abnormalities, and it will provide valuable insight into the protective effects of CBD against tau-related synaptic dysfunction.
For informal enquiries about the project, contact: Professor Jenni Harvey, [Email Address Removed]
For general enquiries about the University of Dundee, contact [Email Address Removed]
Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.
Applicants must have obtained, or expect to obtain, a UK honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent for non-UK qualifications), and/or a Masters degree in a relevant discipline. For international qualifications, please see equivalent entry requirements here: www.dundee.ac.uk/study/international/country/.
English language requirement: IELTS (Academic) overall score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 5.5 in reading, listening, speaking and 6.0 in writing). The University of Dundee accepts a variety of equivalent qualifications and alternative ways to demonstrate language proficiency; please see full details of the University’s English language requirements here: www.dundee.ac.uk/guides/english-language-requirements.
Step 1: Email Professor Jenni Harvey, [Email Address Removed] to (1) send a copy of your CV and (2) discuss your potential application and any practicalities (e.g. suitable start date).
Step 2: After discussion with Professor Jenni Harvey, formal applications can be made via our direct application system. When applying, please follow the instructions below:
Candidates must apply for the Medicine research degrees | University of Dundee, UK using our direct application system:
Please select the study mode (full-time/part-time) and start date agreed with the lead supervisor.
In the Research Proposal section, please:
- Enter the lead supervisor’s name in the ‘proposed supervisor’ box
- Enter the project title listed at the top of this page in the ‘proposed project title’ box
In the ‘personal statement’ section, please outline your suitability for the project selected.
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