The neglected role of the blood-brain-barrier in motor neuron disease (Scholarship available)

Introduction
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The ALS ice-bucket challenge went viral in 2014 but, while the social media sensation is over, the disease is still a very real, unsolved problem. ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), the most common of the motor neuron diseases, is a neurodegenerative disorder predominantly affecting the motor neurons of the brain and spinal cord.

This project will use the incredible resource of brain cells grown from human Motor Neuron Disease patients. The student will compare the disease signature in cells from different brain regions, with a focus on the role of the blood-brain-barrier in Motor Neuron Disease.
The student will be based at the Centre for Brain Research at Grafton Campus, Auckland, New Zealand. The Centre for Brain Research embraces a unique model of neuroscience that fosters collaboration. Scientists, doctors and students work together at every level; from the laboratory to the clinic to whānau (family) and the community, enabling us to provide novel insights on how the brain stimulates, controls and interacts with the rest of the body.

Objective
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The overall aim of this study is to characterise non-neuronal cells from different brain regions in Motor Neuron Disease.

The successful applicant will be taught and expected to master the following techniques:
• Human brain cell culture
• Live- and fixed cell fluorescence imaging
• Western blotting
• Transcriptomic data analysis
• Image analysis
• Scientific writing

Other information
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Start date: After 15th Jan 2018.
This project is fully funded through the Rutherford Discovery Fellowship Scheme. The successful PhD student will receive stipend of NZD $25,000 per annum and university fees will be paid.
You will be collaborating with a Masters student on some aspects of this proposal in the first year.