Unravelling the role of oxytocin on mammalian fertility. at Liverpool John Moores University on FindAPhD.com

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Dr Chrysanthi Fergani, Dr William Swaney, Dr Rodrigo De Marco No more applications being accepted Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

Liverpool United Kingdom Endocrinology Neuroscience Reproductive Biology

About the Project

Understanding the precise mechanisms that control reproductive hormone release is considered a necessary direction for wildlife conservation efforts. Hence, a large body of research is focused on delineating these mechanisms, utilising rodent models. To date, oxytocin signalling has been deemed essential in sex specific social interactions. To this extent, oxytocin is released in the amygdala in response to chemical-communication signals (i.e., pheromones). Interestingly, our recent data revealed a clear stimulation of reproductive hormone release when oxytocin is administered within the male and female mouse brain. This is an exciting and novel finding, but the precise mechanism via which this is achieved is unclear. Furthermore, we have recently described two populations of cells (kisspeptin and neurokinin B) in the amygdala that stimulate reproductive hormone release when activated. Thus, it is plausible to speculate that oxytocin, released in response to social interactions, acts within the amygdala to stimulate the reproductive axis, ultimately leading to the release of hormones from the gonads. However, this notion remains unexplored and will be the main focus of this research project. The aims of this proposal can be successfully completed using a combination of transgenic oxytocin-cre mice, and injections of viral constructs [DREADD’s] targeted specifically at oxytocin neurones in order to ablate or activate them and evaluate their precise role in various reproductive outcomes. Thus, the overall aim of this project is to delineate the precise mechanism via which oxytocin neurones activate the reproductive axis by stimulating reproductive hormone release and consequently test its efficacy in enhancing fertility, using the mouse as a model organism.

The PhD student will join our flourishing School of Biological & Environmental Sciences, at Liverpool John Moores University and work under the supervisory team of Dr Chrysanthi Fergani. The PhD research will involve a combination of molecular, pharmacological and surgical techniques to delineate neuroendocrine mechanisms within the mouse brain.

Funding Notes

This is a fully funded PhD studentship (consisting of full UK tuition fees for three years and student stipend at UK Research Council rates). The nature of the funding means only UK/Home students are eligible to apply for this studentship.

References

In addition to holding a masters or strong degree (e.g. 2.1 or higher) in zoology, animal behaviour or an equivalent biological sciences field, the ideal applicant will be able to demonstrate significant interest in and prior experience of working with rodent models. A good working knowledge of statistical analysis using R, strong organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team would be advantageous. Full training in laboratory techniques, advanced statistical analysis and appropriate research methodologies will be provided by the supervisory team and through our Doctoral Academy.

For an informal discussion or to enquire about this opportunity please email Dr Chrysanthi Fergani (c.fergani@ljmu.ac.uk) for more information.

We are committed to make biological/environmental research more inclusive and are therefore keen to support candidates from groups that have long been underrepresented and/or marginalised. If you belong to such groups, we would like to offer dedicated pre-application advice and mentorship, so that you can prepare the strongest possible application. Please contact Dr Nicola Koyama or Prof Stefano Mariani.

Both the Faculty of Science and the School of Biological & Environmental Sciences have dedicated Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Groups, with the School EDI Coordinator leading collective action to promote and embed a culture of equity, diversity and inclusivity. We have a proactive Student EDI group, a Cultural Diversity Student network for ethnic minority students, and a group of Inclusion Ambassadors, who are staff trained to deal with microaggression and harassment. As a School, we embarked upon activities to begin to decolonise programme curricula almost two years ago: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/faculties/faculty-of-science/school-of-biological-and-environmental-sciences/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/decoloniality and earlier this year were awarded an Athena Swan Bronze award in recognition of our equality initiatives and action plan.

To apply, email a CV and covering letter detailing your suitability for the project and contact details of two referees to Dr Chrysanthi Fergani (c.fergani@ljmu.ac.uk). Applicants need to be available for interview (by video) on January the 12th and able to start at short notice (in February 2023 intake).