Funding

Self-funded

Project code

PHBM5321024

Department

School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences

Start dates

October, February and April

Application deadline

Applications accepted all year round

Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6 year part-time PhD project.

The PhD will be based in the School of of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences and will be supervised by Dr Jordi Cayuso and Dr Frank Schubert.

 

The work on this project will involve:

  • Genome Editing Techniques - Employ cutting-edge genom editing techniques, notably CRISPR/Cas9, to advance our understanding of molecular mechanisms in neural tube formation.
  • Skill Development - Provide the candidate with a unique opportunity to cultivate expertise in molecular and cellular techniques, encompassing genomic and transcriptomic analysis, advanced light imaging techniques, and gene expression analysis.
  • Zebrafish Model Training - Familiarise the candidate with the utilisation of zebrafish, an emerging vertebrate model for studying diseases, development, and regeneration, offering valuable hands-on experience.
  • Contribution to Neural Tube Defect Understanding - Contribute significantly to enhancing our comprehension of Neural Tube Defects, prevalent birth defects in humans.

Neurulation is the process leading to the formation of a hollow neural tube, the precursor of the central nervous system. During neurulation, neural tissue undergoes complex rearrangements and deformations due to intrinsic and extrinsic mechanical forces. Failure to complete neurulation in the neural tube tissue results in neural tube defects (NTDs), among the more common birth defects that can lead to perinatal mortality and long-term disability. Although the processes controlling neurulation have been extensively described at the tissue scale, the molecular mechanisms driving these changes and the causes behind NTDs remain relatively unknown.

We recently identified a link between Eph membrane receptors and Yap/Taz transcription cofactors, crucial in establishing boundaries between different brain areas. Eph and Yap/Taz coordinate chemical and mechanical signals during brain formation to achieve this. Intriguingly, mutations in Eph and Yap have been found in humans and animal models with NTDs. However, the involvement of Eph and Yap/Taz signalling in this process has not been investigated. In recent years, we generated mutants for several Eph proteins and their effectors, a key resource for this project. The candidate will employ a combination of molecular cloning, immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging, image analysis, and advanced molecular techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, transcriptomic, and proteomic analysis.

This project aims to shed light on the mechanisms of Eph signalling in central nervous system formation, contributing to a better understanding of the causes of NTDs, paving the way for groundbreaking insights into preventative and therapeutic strategies for these debilitating conditions.

 

Fees and funding

Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.

Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only. 

PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK Government Doctoral Loan (UK and EU students only – eligibility criteria apply).

Bench fees

Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. 

Entry Requirements

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in Biomedical or Biological Sciences or a related area. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or Qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

How to apply

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Jordi Cayuso (jordi.cayuso@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process. 

When applying please quote project code:PHBM5321024