Neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia (SCZ) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have revealed deficits in myelination, abnormalities in myelin gene expression arising from oligodendrocytes dysfunction. However, gaining mechanistic insight into oligodendrocyte (OL) dysfunction and its contribution to clinical symptoms associated with neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders has been challenging because of technical hurdles. The advent of individual patient-derived human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), combined with the generation of in principle any neuronal and glial cell type, including OLs and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), holds great potential for understanding the molecular basis of the aetiopathogenesis of genetically complex psychiatric diseases
The human chromosomal 1q21.1 locus is associated with regulating human brain size, as subjects with either deletions or duplication of genetic material of this locus are strongly associated with micro or macrocephalus condition. Beside dosage alteration significantly increases the risk for range of neurodevelopmental neuropsychiatric disorders. The key aims of this project is to investigate the role of 1q21.1 locus on oligodendrocyte dysfunction and developmental myelination using induced pluripotent stem cells derived subjects with 1q21.1 deletions or duplications. The projects promise to offer biological insight of pathogenic mechanisms and could pave the way towards personalized medicine.
Research training
This project represents a unique opportunity to gain in-depth training in neural stem cell and oligodendrocyte biology. The appointed student will be trained in culturing human induced pluripotent stem cells and their differentiation into brain organoids contains oligodendrocytes. They will also be trained in cell biology (imaging, physiology) and advanced molecular biology techniques (Singe cell RNA seq). Generic skills training is offered through the Doctoral training academy. As well as the specific training detailed above, students will have access to a wide range of seminars and training opportunities through the many research institutes and centres based in Cardiff. The appointed student will be part of the neuroscience division, School of Biosciences and will be based at the Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute.ut you
We are looking for a motivated, ambitious student to join or multi-disciplinary research team. We are recruiting a student with a BSc/MSc in cell biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related subject area (2:1 minimum), who also has an interest in the neural stem cell biology. Experience in working with mammalian cell culture preferably with iPSC or Organoid is advantageous.
Continue with Facebook
