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  PhD Opportunity - Investigation of the somatosensory coding mechanism in the spinal cord


   College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences

  Dr Junichi Hachisuka  Applications accepted all year round  Self-Funded PhD Students Only

About the Project

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Project outline: Somatosensory information including pain and itch is conveyed through the spinal cord to the brain. However, the physiological and anatomical basis of somatosensory processing in the spinal cord is still largely unknown. Our goal is to understand how the spinal dorsal horn neurons differentiate various somatosensory stimuli, especially those associated with pain and itch. To tackle this question, we have developed a semi-intact somatosensory preparation that enables us to record the spinal dorsal horn neuron activity in response to natural stimulation of the skin. Combining this with molecular, genetic and anatomical approaches, we will examine the physiological properties of spinal cord neurons to the natural sensory stimuli.

Summary aim: To reveal the coding mechanism for somatosensory perception including pain and itch in spinal cord dorsal horn neurons.

Techniques to be used:

  • Whole-cell patch clamp recording
  • Retrograde neuronal tracing
  • Immunocytochemistry
  • Neuronal reconstruction
  • Behavioural testing

APPLY VIA UofG WEBSITE

Biological Sciences (4) Medicine (26) Psychology (31)

Where will I study?

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