Stem cell derived signals in epithelial homeostasis and ageing

Declining intestinal function is an important contributor to poor health in ageing. The epithelium that lines the intestine is constantly turned over throughout adult life, as cells are lost from the surface and replaced by the proliferation of stem cells. These adult tissue stem cells must be tightly regulated by signals from their local micro-environment, or niche, as loss of homeostasis can lead to tissue failure and risk of disease.

This project will characterise the importance of signals expressed by the stem cells themselves in epithelial maintenance and age-related loss of homeostasis. The student will use the intestinal stem cells of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a simple model system and employ a range of advanced genetic, molecular biology and microscopy approaches to characterise their signals. A laboratory rotation and ongoing collaboration with the second supervisor will allow the student to extend their findings to mammalian intestinal stem cells.

The student will join a friendly and collaborative team sharing a specialist facility for research on invertebrate model organisms and have access to state-of-the-art facilities for microscopy and genomics.

For further information see the website: https://www.dur.ac.uk/biosciences/

To apply
Please complete the online application form and attach a full CV and covering letter. Informal enquiries may be made to [Email Address Removed]