Developmental Systems Biology of the Eye – The Origins of Retinal Self-Organisation (GROCOTTU19DTP)

There is much interest in the possibility of growing human organs from patient stem cells in vitro (a.k.a. ‘organoids’). In addition to regenerative therapies, this could furnish new disease models and facilitate drug development. By learning how tissues and organs develop in the embryo we can rationally design strategies for developing organoids in vitro. Our research uses the chick embryo to investigate the development of our primary sense organ, the eye.

It is known that stem cell cultures can spontaneously self-organise to form retinas in vitro, but it is not known how they do this. This PhD project aims to investigate a Pax6 gene network that may drive self-organisation of the early retina. Pax6 was named a ‘master control gene’ for eye development, and we recently identified a network of Pax6-interacting genes with the potential to spontaneously self-organise the early retina, either in the embryo or in vitro. The project will directly test this possibility by measuring the biophysical properties of key gene products and comparing them with values predicted by computer simulations of early retinal development.

The project will develop your transferable ‘wet lab’ skills in molecular, cell, and developmental biology, and advanced imaging. You will receive rigorous training in quantitative analytical approaches, with an added opportunity to gain new skills in computational biology (computer programming, mathematical modelling; previous experience not required).

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP). Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed as part of the studentship competition. Candidates will be interviewed on either the 8th, 9th or 10th January 2019.
The NRP DTP offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship (PIPS) during their study. The internship offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website: www.biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk

Project Start Date: 01/10/2019
Length of Studentship: 4 years
Mode of Study: Full-Time
Minimum Entry Requirements: UK 2:1 & Eng Lang (6.5 overall, 6 in each section)