Dr T Kurz
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
The purpose of this project is the development and characterisation of an iPSC derived model of mutant Ubiquilin 2. Mutations in Ubiquilin 2 are linked to the development of MND/ALS via impairment of the ubiquitin proteasome system (Deng et al., 2011; Gorrie et al., 2014). Our recent work in cancer cells showed that Ubiquilin 2 is required for degradation of misfolded proteins by linking HSP70 to the proteolytic machinery (Hjerpe et al., 2016) and we now wish to extend these finding to motor neurons. The differentiated motor neurons from unaffected individuals would be compared to those expressing mutant Ubiquilin 2. Comparison would be made using biochemical, and cell biological assays. In particular the function of the proteolytic network in response to a variety of proteotoxic stressors would be examined, in addition to evaluating the endosomal and dendritic transport processes within the differentiated motor neurones. One important purpose of the research would be to develop a cellular assay that could enable screens to evaluate the response of motor neurones to drugs that could enhance proteostasis. Impairment in proteostatic mechanisms are thought to contribute broadly to neurodegenerative disease (Balchin et al., 2016; Maharjan and Saxena, 2016) and the development of disease models for such screens will be an important step towards effective therapeutics.
Prerequisites
The ideal candidate should have a solid background in biochemistry and cell biology and related techniques. Prior experience in the use of iPSCs would be a distinct advantage.
The project is a part of SPRINT-MND/MS, a new Scotland-wide PhD scheme for research into motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis. Projects, encompassing a wide range of topics including laboratory, clinical, and social sciences, are available at Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews Universities. This exciting initiative provides a great opportunity for budding researchers in any field related to MND or MS to join Scotland’s network of world-leading scientists and health professionals. Find more information here: www.edneurophd.ed.ac.uk/sprint-mndms-phd-programme
Funding Notes
Studentships are for three years and include a standard non-clinical stipend, UK/EU fees and an allowance for consumables and travel. The cohort of SPRINT students will also be offered opportunities to attend clinics and meet patients, undertake ‘taster’ placements in a different field, and participate in public engagement and researcher networking events.
Continue with Facebook
