MSc By Research: Investigating the cellular mechanisms underlying the link between maternal diabetes and autism spectrum disorders using 3D human brain organoids.

The MSc by Research programme at the University of Aberdeen is for students interested in a research-intensive master's degree. It is designed specifically to enhance your skills for a PhD or research career. If you have your own ideas for a research project in this area, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to one of the project supervisors above to discuss your ideas.

You can find further information about our academic requirements and programme structure here.

Recent epidemiological studies have revealed a strong association between maternal diabetes during pregnancy and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in offspring. While animal models have demonstrated that maternal diabetes can result in autism-like behavioural defects, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this link in humans remain poorly understood. Notably, the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex, which regulates higher brain functions such as cognition and emotions, is a key region implicated in ASD. Children with ASD often display structural abnormalities in this region, including increased neuronal number and disturbances in cortical layer organization in post-mortem studies. Development of this part of the brain is tightly regulated by the precise behaviour of neural stem cells and neuronal maturation, and metabolic regulation is the one of factors controlling proliferation and neuronal differentiation.

The aim of this project is to investigate how maternal diabetic conditions impact cortical development in a human cell-based system. We will specifically focus on neural stem cell behaviours, neurogenesis and neuronal maturation. To achieve this goal, we will use 3D brain organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that closely recapitulate the cellular heterogeneity, cytoarchitecture, developmental trajectories, and transcriptomic signature of the embryonic human brain.

During the master’s project, student will gain an in-depth understanding of fundamental concepts in brain development, including neural stem cell behaviour and neurodevelopmental disorders. The project will provide training in state-of-the-art experimental techniques, including stem cell culture, brain organoids culture, immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging and computational imaging analyses.

Key words: autism spectrum disorders, human stem cells, brain organoids, 3D culture, maternal diabetes, neural stem cells, cortical development, neurodevelopmental disorders.  

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Applicants to this project should hold a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to having a diverse, inclusive team.

Informal enquiries are encouraged, please contact Dr Eunchai Kang (eunchai.kang@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

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APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Please note: This is a self-funded opportunity.

• Prospective students should contact the lead supervisor (via the email address listed above) to discuss the research project and complete a proposal form prior to / or shortly after applying.
• Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php
• You should apply for Medical Sciences (MSc) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team.
• Please clearly note the name of the supervisor and the project title on the application form. If this is not included, your application may not be considered for the project.
• Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) at undergraduate level.
• Your application must include: a personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.
• If you are still undertaking your undergraduate degree, it is helpful to the selection panel if you could provide documentation showing your grades to date (this can be a screenshot from an online portal).
• Please note: Project supervisors will not respond to requests for funding assistance.
• If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk