York YBDTP project: Bioelectrical control of epithelial cell behaviour

Lead supervisor: Prof Will Brackenbury

Co-supervisors: Dr Andrew Holding and Dr Alexander Fletcher, University of Sheffield

The student will be registered with the Department of Biology (University of York)

Bioelectrical behaviours, such as ion transport and action potential firing, are key features of “excitable” neuronal and muscle cells but are less well understood in “non-excitable” epithelial cells. A key bioelectrical feature of all cells is the voltage difference across the plasma membrane (termed membrane potential, or Vm).

Vm dynamics have significant roles in tissue growth, patterning, migration, and regeneration. Altered Vm may also be a facilitator of disease progression, e.g., in cancer. However, the mechanisms underpinning the Vm, and how it in turn regulates epithelial cell behaviour, are not well understood.

This research, therefore, aims to understand the endogenous bioelectrical mechanisms regulating the Vm in epithelial cells. We will also study how epithelial cells respond to exogenous bioelectrical cues.

To achieve these goals, we will use state-of-the-art electrophysiological and live cell imaging techniques to monitor changes to the Vm in live cells and relate these to alterations in cell behaviour. We will also use cutting-edge optogenetics and chemogenetics to manipulate ion fluxes and perturb the Vm. To understand how epithelial cells respond to exogenous bioelectrical cues, we will develop a multiscale computational model of bioelectrical and metabolic dynamics in an epithelial cell population.

This project will therefore provide novel mechanistic insights into the interplay between exogenous electric fields, ion fluxes, Vm and epithelial cell behaviour. In doing so, the project will expose the student to an array of cutting-edge cell imaging and electrophysiology techniques.

The ideal candidate should have a background in molecular, cell, or developmental biology, and be willing to develop quantitative skills. The student will be provided with an interdisciplinary training in laboratory skills, quantitative analysis, and computational modelling.

The Departments of Biology and Chemistry both hold an Athena SWAN Gold Award. We are committed to supporting equality and diversity and strive to provide a positive working environment for all staff and students.

The YB DTP and the University of York are committed to recruiting future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and we have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.

Entry Requirements: Students with, or expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that we welcome applications from students with any biological, chemical, and/or physical science backgrounds, or students with mathematical background who are interested in using their skills in addressing biological questions. 

Programme: PhD in Biology (4 years)

How to apply

To submit your application, click on apply now below. You can apply for up to 3 YBDTP projects (which can be at different universities).

We advise you to read the questions in the form before submitting your application. Inside the form there is a link to a document for you to see the questions in advance.

If you have questions about the application process, please email wrdtp@leeds.ac.uk.

If you have questions about the project you are interested in, please email the project supervisor (see project description).

How we allocate:

Shortlisting will take place shortly after the closing date and successful applicants will be notified promptly. If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited for an interview on a date to be confirmed in February 2025. You'll be notified shortly after the interview dates whether your application has been successful, placed on a reserve list or unsuccessful. If you are successful, you'll be required to confirm your intention to accept the studentship within 10 days.

APPLY NOW

Application deadline: Monday 6th January 2025