Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts on how a person perceives reality, feels, thinks and act. Recent development in neuroimaging studies have increasingly highlighted anatomical and functional differences between schizophrenic and normotypic individuals. Strikingly, one of the brain regions that is known to be altered is in the frontal lobe or more specifically, the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The PFC is known to contribute to mature cognitive abilities and emotional control where it is known to integrate information from other brain regions. Recent advances in neuroscience have highlighted that the aberrant development and maturation of the PFC can contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Critically, however, we do not know how the aberrant development and maturation of the PFC occurs during development.
With the advent of state-of-the-art tools in both spatial transcriptomics and in vivo imaging, the following project will investigate how the aberrant development and maturation of PFC occurs during development. Emerging data has indicated that most neurodevelopmental disorders arise from the alteration of normal developmental trajectories. The brain consists of multiple brain regions where each are known to develop and mature at their own time and pace. As the PFC are known to integrate information from multiple brain regions, it is one of the last brain regions to mature. Consequently, any alterations in the developmental trajectories of other brain regions (e.g. too fast or too slow) may have a long-term impact on the development of the PFC. We hypothesise that the coordinated development among different brain regions is key in creating a normal functioning brain. An out-of-sync development where one/multiple brain regions developing either too fast or too slow, will lead to aberrant development and maturation of the PFC and consequently may contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
To test this, we will combine the expertise of the Wong’s lab on developmental neuroscience, the Chen’s lab on spatial and single-cell transcriptomics and the Boutin and Dickie lab on preclinical imaging. We will use techniques such as retrograde viral tracing, single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, in vivo imaging and behaviour to understand how aberrant maturation and connectivity of the prefrontal cortex may occur. We predict that by identifying the mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia we will be able to develop new therapeutic targets that can improve the quality of life of schizophrenic individuals. Furthermore, it would also shed insights onto other neurodevelopmental disorders with aberrant PFC development such as attention-deficit disorders.
Eligibility
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science, engineering or technology.
Before you Apply
Applicants must make direct contact with preferred University of Manchester supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.
How To Apply
To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form - full details on eligibility how to apply can be found on our website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/astar/#apply On the online application form select A*STAR PhD Programme.
Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [Email Address Removed]
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/
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