This project will use a mouse model to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms through which early life stress causes vulnerability to neurological disease. This is an opportunity for a motivated student to join an exciting new research team within the area of neuroepigenetics, and contribute human-relevant insight into stress mechanisms.
Stressful events in the postnatal period, known as Early Life Stress (ELS), are an important predictor of neuropsychological disorders, including depression and schizophrenia. While some of the genes and pathways altered by ELS have been identified, it is not well understood how these changes are instigated, or how they can be manipulated. Epigenetic regulation is a key facet of environmental influence over gene expression. Research has focused on understanding epigenetic changes at genes, but distal enhancers which loop to genes to promote their expression are a key component of gene regulation. We hypothesise that changes in enhancer activity and looping are integral in the priming of neurological sensitivity by ELS.
We are setting up a mouse model of ELS which, when paired with adult stress, gives rise to depression-like phenotypes that are not seen after either stress alone. The student will explore the gene regulatory mechanisms that influence the expression of genes that are primed by ELS: how their looping, location and enhancer status is altered by ELS, and how this affects their expression upon additional adult stress.
The project will provide the framework to develop core research skills (animal handling, behavioural experiments and dissection; molecular and cell biology techniques; statistics and data management) as well as excellent cross-disciplinary training, including communication skills. Our lab is part of the Southampton Neuroscience Group, which provides an outstanding environment for cutting-edge neuroscience research. University benefits include onsite childcare facilities, state-of-the-art on-campus sports, arts and culture facilities, and a full programme of events.
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