Developmental Systems Biology of the Eye – Taming an Excitable Gene Network (GROCOTTU18DTP)

In recent years, researchers have begun to exploit the embryo’s remarkable capacity for self-organisation by coaxing human pluripotent stem cells to recapitulate normal developmental programmes in vitro. The resulting ‘organoids’ hold great promise for investigating human genetic diseases, drug development and regenerative therapies. Yet organoids are less robust than their embryonic counterparts, their development less predictable.

The project aims to underpin retinal organoid technology by learning how the embryonic retina places the correct tissues in the right place, at the right time, every time.

We recently identified a self-organising gene network that can spontaneously position different tissues within the retina, but this network is somewhat excitable and so potentially unpredictable. The project will therefore investigate a secondary gene network that may act to stabilise the first, ensuring that the correct tissue pattern is generated robustly and reproducibly.

The project will provide interdisciplinary training in molecular biology, chick embryology, live-imaging and computational modelling.

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 9th, 10th or 11th January 2018.
The Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) 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

For more information on the supervisor of this project, please go here: https://www.uea.ac.uk/biological-sciences/people/profile/t-grocott
Type of programme: PhD
Start date of project: 1st October 2018
Mode of study: Full time
Length of studentship: 4 years

Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.