The circadian clock is an endogenous mechanism that synchronizes almost all behaviour and physiology with the Earth’s 24 hour environmental cycles. Predictably, the circadian clock has a huge impact on health and quality of life. Dysfunction of the clock not only generates temporal disorientation and sleep problems, but also is involved in pathologies such as obesity, mental illness, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Clearly, it is extremely important to achieve a comprehensive understanding of how the circadian clock works [reviewed in 1].
The fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster is an ideal organism for the study of circadian rhythms, its clock shares its design and molecular components with that of mammals but it is much easier to manipulate.
In a recent breakthrough, we discovered that different clock neurons in the fly tend to cycle with different speeds and that only their mutual synchronization keeps the fly running with a common 24 h cycle [2]. Consequently, we cannot understand the oscillator by focusing only on the regulation of genes and molecules in single neurons but we must investigate the organization of the clock network as a whole.
This proposal aims to study the circadian clock in terms of network organization. We will use a combination of classic and original approaches. We will analyse the cycling of clock proteins in different neurons, but we will also develop novel markers of neuronal activity that are better suited than available tools to circadian experiments. Moreover, we will study classic mutants and widely used mosaics (GAL4/UAS lines) but we will also develop our own mutants and mosaics, for instance using CRISPR/CAS9 a state-of-the-art genome-editing tool. Finally, we will use new genomics techniques, such as single cell RNAseq. We envisage that our work will provide a new framework for a fuller comprehension of the biology of the circadian clock of Drosophila, but will also generate novel tools that will be useful for studying circadian clocks in general.
Entry requirements:
- Those who have a 1st or a 2.1 undergraduate degree in a relevant field are eligible.
- Evidence of quantitative training is required. For example, AS or A level Maths, IB Standard or Higher Maths, or university level maths/statistics course.
- Those who have a 2.2 and an additional Masters degree in a relevant field may be eligible.
- Those who have a 2.2 and at least three years post-graduate experience in a relevant field may be eligible.
- Those with degrees abroad (perhaps as well as postgraduate experience) may be eligible if their qualifications are deemed equivalent to any of the above.
For further information please contact [Email Address Removed]
Application advice:
To apply please refer the application instructions at
https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/funded-opportunities/bbsrc-mibtp
You will need to apply for the PhD place at University of Leicester and also submit your online application notification to MIBTP. Links for both are on the above web page.
Project / Funding Enquiries: For further information please contact [Email Address Removed]
Application enquiries to [Email Address Removed]
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