MScR: Endosomal Trafficking Dysfunction in Astrocytes: A Roadmap to Alzheimer’s disease?

Previously thought of as only a support cell for neurons, astrocytes have now been shown to play an essential role in regulating synaptic activity and regulating transmitter uptake and release. Astrocytes therefore play a pivotal role in neuronal health and are implicated in Alzheimer's pathology. Perturbation of the endosomal system – which comprises a series of intracellular membrane-bound compartments that control the transport of transmembrane proteins – is thought to be involved in the initiation and progression of Alzheimer's. Whilst neuronal endosomal swelling is an early hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, the role of the endosomal system in astrocytes is both unclear and understudied.

Our recent work has identified astrocytic glutamate transporters that depend on the endosomal system for their expression and localisation. The aim of this project is to determine how impairment of the endosomal trafficking of these transporters affects astrocytic, and thereby neuronal function. To do this we will use viral strategies to suppress endosomal proteins in rat cortical astrocytes using short-hairpin RNA. We will then determine glutamate transporter function by making electrophysiological recordings from astrocytes in vitro and, in parallel, assess surface expression of astrocytic glutamate transporters using standard biochemical techniques and immunocytochemistry and imaging.

MSc by Research

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated student with a degree in neuroscience, biochemistry, biological science or related discipline. The project will be supervised by Dr Kirsty McMillan (School of Biochemistry) and Dr Paul Banks (School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience) with collaborative input from Professor Kevin Wilkinson (School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience). For further information, please contact either kirsty.mcmillan@bristol.ac.uk or paul.banks@bristol.ac.uk. 

MSc by Research (MScR) is a 1-year research degree that provides an intensive lab-based training and a preparation for PhD study. You will carry out your studies as part of your research group – like a PhD student does. Towards the end of the year, you write up a thesis on your research and are examined on this. This degree suits students wanting to gain maximum research experience in preparation for PhD applications. 

We are keen to recruit a diverse range of students and to ensure our research is open to all. We particularly welcome applications from groups traditionally under-represented in life sciences research. Please check the University webpages for the current tuition fee information. Most MScR projects also require a bench fee. This varies depending on the research and your project supervisor can tell you the bench fee for the project.

How to apply:

Use the following link to apply: Start your application | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol, selecting the programme "Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience (MSc by Research)".

Please ensure you upload all supporting documents as per the Admissions Statement (which applies to both PhD and MScR programmes): Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol

Clearly indicate the supervisor name and project title in the relevant section of the application form.

The system will not allow you to submit your application without uploading a document to the research statement section; please upload a blank Word document which is headed “No research statement required”.