Zebrafish models of bipolar disorder and sleep regulation

• Primary Supervisor: Prof Caroline Brennan
• Co-Supervisor(s): Dr Valdas Noreika
• Funding: China Scholarship Council (CSC)
• Deadline: 29th January 2025

Project Overview

The prevalence of bipolar disorder (BP) shows an increasing worldwide trend, also observed in China (Zhang, 2023). However, despite the debilitating outcomes of BP, such as an increased risk of suicide or self-harm, there remains a limited understanding of the genetic, molecular and neural mechanisms of BP. Furthermore, there is a pressing need for more effective treatments. Patients with BP have disrupted sleep and circadian cycles that also depend on the manic vs. depressive periods of the disorder. It has been suggested that sleep disturbances contribute to the BP symptoms, such as impulsive behaviours during the manic phase of the disorder.

The proposed project aims to improve understanding of the molecular and neural mechanisms of BD symptoms, particularly impulsivity, and to assess whether improved sleep regulation positively impacts BD. Using automated video data analysis, the PhD student will characterise abnormal behaviours of existing zebrafish lines carrying mutations in genes associated with BD (yif1a, znf804a). In addition, the student will seek to develop a new genetic line that can model BP symptoms observed in human studies. Furthermore, the PhD student will test the hypothesis that sleep quality impacts BD-specific behaviours and investigate whether pharmacological and behavioural interventions for sleep (sleep hygiene, photostimulation) improve BP symptoms in zebrafish. Using light sheet imaging, the student will compare mutant and control lines to identify neural circuits that underlie the interaction between sleep quality and BP symptoms in zebrafish.

Towards the end of the project, the student will develop conceptual and methodological grounds for translational research comparing BP symptomatology and sleep regulation in both zebrafish models and human patients.

Research Environment

Prof. Brennan’s lab consists of 5 PhD students and 2 PDRA. Laboratory space is equipped with all necessary equipment including high resolution microscopes and molecular biology facilities. We have a newly refurbished zebrafish facility with dedicated behavioural rooms and imaging facilities. The successful student will be trained in all aspects of the use of zebrafish as a model system including the generation of CRISPR/cas9 loss of function lines, developmental, cell biological and behavioural analyses and the use of SPIM confocal microscopy.

Dr Noreika’s lab has new sleep research facilities including high-density electroencephalography and transcranial magnetic stimulator, which will be needed for the translational stage of the project.

Find out more about the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences on our website.

Keywords: bipolar disorder, zebrafish models, sleep regulation, genetics, neural circuitry

Entry Requirements

We are looking for candidates to have or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree and a Master’s degree in an area relevant to the project such as biology, genetics, neuroscience, biological psychology. 

Knowledge of genetic and/or drug-induced animal models of psychiatric disorders would be highly advantageous but are not required.

You must meet the IELTS requirements for your course and upload evidence before CSC’s application deadline, ideally by 1st March 2025. You are therefore strongly advised to sit an approved English Language test as soon as possible, where your IELTS test must still be valid when you enrol for the programme.

Please find further details on our English Language requirements page.

How to Apply

Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by 29th January 2025for consideration. Please identify yourself as a ‘CSC Scholar’ in the funding section of the application.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

• Your CV
• Personal Statement
• Evidence of English Language e.g.) IELTS Certificate
• Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates
• References

Find out more about our application process on our SBBS website.

Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Prof Caroline Brennan AT [Email Address Removed] Admissions-related queries can be sent to [Email Address Removed]

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the supervisor. If you are successful in your QMUL application, then you will be issued an QMUL Offer Letter, conditional on securing a CSC scholarship along with academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements.

Once applicants have obtained their QMUL Offer Letter, they should then apply to CSC for the scholarship with the support of the supervisor.

For further information, please go to the QMUL China Scholarship Council webpage.

Apply Online

Funding & Eligibility

Queen Mary University of London has partnered with the China Scholarship Council (CSC) to offer a joint scholarship programme to enable Chinese students to study for a PhD programme at Queen Mary.  Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.

Applicants must:

·      Be applying for CSC funding. 

·      Be a citizen and permanent resident of the People’s Republic of China and hold a Chinese passport.

·      Satisfy all eligibility criteria set out by the CSC and must refer to the CSC website for full details.

·      Apply to QMUL by 29^th January 2025. Late applications will not be considered. 

·      Submit ALL required documentation, including evidence of their English Language ability ahead of the CSC application deadline. 

CSC application rules differ slightly for domestic applicants (students applying from China) and overseas applicants (students applying from overseas). Therefore, ALL applicants are advised to see the CSC website for full details on eligibility and conditions on the scholarship.