About the Project
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder in which individuals display behavioural and psychiatric problems. Working with the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research Pre-clinical Animal Network, the aim of this project is characterise novel PWS mouse models & standardise a pre-clinical screening platform for drug candidates.
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which individuals display a number of behavioural and psychiatric characteristics. PWS is caused by the deletion of a number of genes on paternal chromosome 15; a homologous genetic interval exist on mouse chromosome 7. The Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR) in the US has established a Pre-clinical Animal Network (PCAN) in order to develop new mouse models and standardise a pre-clinical screening platform for drug candidates for PWS. The aim of this PhD project is two-fold:
1. Examine the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in an existing PWS mouse model
2. Validate the behavioural phenotype of one or more novel PWS mouse model. We have established a collaboration with GW Pharmaceuticals, a global leader in developing cannabinoid-based medicines. Subject to IP agreements, we will examine the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in the PWS-IC mouse model. GW are interested to see if behavioural deficits in the PWS-IC mice, previously identified by our group (EJN 2009; Behav Neuroscience 2012, EJN 2015), can be reversed. The second, and largest component of the PhD project will involve behavioural phenotyping of one or more novel mouse model for PWS. The FPWR-PCAN, of which Isles is a member, has commissioned IMPC/MRC Harwell to produce four new mouse models for PWS; a large deletion model, and conditional Magel2, Necdin and Ipw knock-out models. These models will be subject to a number of phenotype tests. Primary screening will be carried out by MRC Harwell and will consist of a series of validated and standardised basic sensory, motor and metabolic tests. Secondary screening will focus on more complex and specific phenotypic tests that require the skills of expert labs. The PhD student in our lab will examine behavioural and cognitive function using specialist tasks and equipment to assess aspects of attention, impulse control and learning and memory. Other labs within FPWR-PCAN (IIT, Italy; INMED, France; Univ. of Alberta, Canada) will examine other aspects of behaviour and we envisage that as part of their training, the student will get to visit one or other of these labs.
Funding: This studentship is funded through GW4BioMed MRC Doctoral Training Partnership. It consists of full UK/EU tuition fees, as well as a Doctoral Stipend matching UK Research Council National Minimum (£14,553 p.a. for 2017/18, updated each year).
Additional research and training funding is available over the course of the programme. This will cover costs such as research consumables, courses, conferences and travel. Additional competitive funds are available for high-cost training/research.
The research project listed is in competition with 40 other studentship projects available across the GW4 BioMed MRC Doctoral Training Partnership. Up to 8 studentships will be awarded to the best applicants.
You will need to complete both an application to the GW4 BioMed MRC DTP for an ‘offer of funding’ and to Cardiff University for an ‘offer to study’.
Offer of Funding
Applicants will apply for funding via the centralised online application form, between 11th May and 9.30am 8th June 2017 (click link below).
Offer of Study
Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University Online Application Service https://tinyurl.com/klqxt3s
Applicants should select Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine), with a start date of October 2017.
In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please select “I will be applying for a scholarship / grant” and specify that you are applying for advertised funding from GW4 BioMed MRC DTP.
If you are applying for more than one Cardiff University project, please note this in the research proposal section.
Funding Notes
Academic criteria: Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of medical sciences.
English requirements: If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements of Cardiff University. This will be at least 6.5 in IELTS or an acceptable equivalent.
Residency: Applications are welcome from both UK and EU candidates; however, as a consequence of the EU referendum result, final award decisions will depend on the outcomes of the UK/EU negotiations.
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