Funding

Self-funded

Project code

PHBM5331024

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, Dr Priyanka Dey and Professor Arthur Butt.

 

The work on this project will involve:

  • Genome Editing Techniques - Employ cutting-edge genom editing techniques, specifically CRISPR/Cas9, within the scope of this project to advance our understanding of molecular mechanisms in ALS.
  • Skill Development - Facilitate the candidate's skill development in molecular and cellular techniques, emphasising genomic and transcriptomic analysis. This includes proficiency in advanced chemical and light imaging techniques, as well as gene expression analysis.
  • Cellular Models and Zebrafish Training - Provide hands-on training for the candidate in utilising cellular models and zebrafish, an emerging vertebrate model for studying disease, development, and regeneration, , offering valuable hands-on experience.
  • Contribution to Biomarker Identification - Directly contribute to the identification of new biomarkers for neurodegeneration. These findings may play a pivotal role in the development of novel treatments for ALS patients.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that leads to the degeneration of motor neurons (MNs) in the brain and spinal cord. ALS is the most common motor neuron disease (MND), and unfortunately, there are currently no effective therapies for its treatment. A pressing challenge in ALS research is the identification of early biomarkers for timely detection. Additionally, a deeper understanding of the changes occurring in neurodegenerative tissues during early stages could facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Recent investigations have revealed that one of the earliest signs during the preclinical stage of ALS involves alterations in the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The NMJ, the synapse connecting motor neurons and muscle fibres, plays a crucial role in motor control, and its disruption is often associated with the presence of axon defects or axonopathies. These findings challenge the previously held belief that ALS initiates in the brain.

Notably, recent research has shown that the membrane kinase EphA4 plays a role in modulating ALS in human and murine models. However, the mechanisms through which EphA4 contributes to ALS pathogenesis remain unclear. Significantly, EphA4 is expressed at the NMJ, suggesting its potential involvement in NMJ maintenance.

This project aims to understand the link between EphA4 and neurodegeneration. For this, we will use a combination of light and chemical imaging, behavioural and molecular techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, transcriptomic, and proteomic approaches.

The outcomes of this project will pave the way for the discovery of novel early biomarkers for ALS, offering the potential for early intervention and enhanced treatment strategies.

 

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:PHBM5331024