MSc By Research: Unravelling the mechanisms controlling anterior eye development

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.

This project will use state-of-the-art approaches in cell, developmental and molecular biology to provide fundamental new information on the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving the development of anterior eye structures essential for eye function and health.

Anterior eye structures are essential for production and resorption of aqueous fluid (ciliary body and trabecular meshwork) and controlling the amount of light that enters the eye (iris). Impaired development and/or function of these structures can result in serious sight threatening conditions such as glaucoma and aniridia, and may contribute to the pathogenesis of common ocular disorders such as myopia (short-sightedness) and hyperopia (long-sightedness). However, our understanding of the mechanisms that control the development of anterior eye structures is limited.

Recently we demonstrated that signals from the lens are important for patterning the anterior part of the optic cup that gives rise to the ciliary body and iris. Using RNA-seq, we have identified novel genes and signalling pathways that are lens-regulated during eye development. This project will use chicken embryos as a model system to establish the precise role of RNA-seq identified lens-regulated genes in anterior eye development.

The specific aims are to:

1. Determine the spatial-temporal dynamics of anterior eye structure development.

We will use vital dyes and transgenic chicken lines to elucidate the spatial-temporal dynamics of anterior eye development and specific origins of the cells which contribute to the development of anterior eye structures. This will provide fundamental new information on the cellular mechanisms driving anterior eye development.

2. Determine the expression patterns of RNA-seq-identified lens-regulated genes in the anterior eye at key developmental stages.

We will use in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry to determine the tissue-specific localisation in the developing chicken eye of RNA-seq identified genes. Of particular interest will be expression in the developing anterior optic cup (presumptive ciliary body/iris), and periocular mesenchyme (contributes to development of ciliary body, iris and trabecular meshwork).

3. Determine the functional importance of RNA-seq-identified lens-regulated gene genes for normal eye development.

We will use gain- and loss-of function approaches in chicken embryos to analyse the functional importance of RNA-seq identified genes in anterior eye development. This will include using beads soaked in pharmacological agonists and antagonists and using RCAS viruses and in ovo electroporation to deliver dominant negative constructs and siRNA to manipulate genes and signalling pathways. Due to the time-scale of the project, functional analyses will focus on 1 or 2 key genes.

The project will provide training in a wide range of experimental approaches, including fate-mapping, microscopy, molecular biology (e.g. PCR, gene cloning, gene editing), analyses of gene and protein expression in situ, and in vivo manipulation of genes and signalling pathways. The results will provide new information relevant to functional eye development and the diagnosis, management and treatment of ocular disorders associated with anterior segment dysgenesis. 

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 Professor Lynda Erskine (l.erskine@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