About the Project
Chloride is important because of its role in neural inhibition. It is a negatively charged ion, and for the most important type of synaptic inhibition, it provides the negative signal to neurons. For this to work, however, chloride needs to be kept very low inside neurons. In some situations however, for reasons that remain obscure, chloride can rise, thus compromising synaptic inhibition. This is thought to underlie a number of important neurological conditions, most notably epilepsy. We therefore designed a way to correct this chloride imbalance – the first time this has been possible.
Our new technology is a type of optogenetic protein (opsin). Optogenetics is a revolution in progress in neuroscience. It involves introducing into neurons light sensitive proteins that, when illuminated, can directly modulate the neuron’s activity. Because it is such a powerful technique, allowing precise manipulation of selected neurons, it is considered to be the future of brain-machine interfaces. It is also transforming the type of research questions that can be asked. We have developed optogenetic strategies to control chloride levels bidirectionally. One strategy uses an already existing opsin, Halorhodopsin, to move chloride into cells. The second is our own invention, to achieve the opposite effect. When this new optogenetic protein is illuminated, it directly stops neurons from firing, but more importantly, it also removes chloride and thereby provides a persistent protective effect by improving the brain’s own inhibitory systems. We call the new protein “Clout”, standing for “chloride (Cl) out”.
This PhD project will be to develop these two chloride-manipulation tools further, and use them then to manipulate the brain, to investigate how inhibition controls the timing of neuronal firing, and how chloride dysregulation can give rise to neurological conditions such as epilepsy. The studentship will offer unique training opportunities, extending from molecular biology, through cellular neuroscience, to understanding neuronal dynamics in vivo.
Eligibility Criteria:
Masters or at least an upper second class degree (awarded or expected) in a subject relevant to cellular neuroscience (e.g. neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology). Students without a Masters degree will have the opportunity to undertake a Masters in Research during the first year.
In addition to the above, candidates should demonstrate enthusiasm for the subject, together with a high level of literacy and numeracy, together with excellent interpersonal skills.
The award is available to UK/EU applicants only
How to apply:
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application system - http://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/. To do this please ‘Create a new account’.
Only mandatory fields need to be completed. However, you will need to include the following information:
• insert the programme code 8300F in the programme of study section
• select ‘PhD in the Faculty of Medical Sciences – neuroscience as the programme of study
• insert the studentship code IN084 in the studentship/partnership reference field
• attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the studentship reference code IN084 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
• attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications
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