FYI PhD positions in Glasgow, UK
2 Phd projects are available in the lab of Dr. Tom Van Agtmael at the University of Glasgow
For more information, please email: tom.vanagtmael@glasgow.ac.ukmailto:tom.vanagtmael@glasgow.ac.uk
Investigating the role of the extracellular matrix in stroke in the general population Stroke is a major cause of death and there is an urgent need to increase our understanding of the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms of stroke to develop effective treatments. Recent evidence has indicated that the extracellular matrix plays a major role in stroke and cerebrovascular disease. For example, we have previously identified that mutations in collagen IV, an important matrix component, cause haemorrhagic stroke. However, it remains unclear in how many stroke patients the extracellular matrix plays a role and the nature of the underlying defects remain unknown. This project will combine population genetics with molecular cell biology to provide insight into the basis of stroke in the general population and the role of the extracellular matrix therein. UK biobank data combined exome sequencing will be exploited to identify putative variants in different extracellular matrix proteins. Using CRISPR-Cag9 genome editing, the mechanism of these variants will then be investigated to increase our understanding of how they can affect the extracellular matrix and cell function. In so doing this project will greatly increase our knowledge of the genetic and molecular basis of stroke in the general population.
Deadline for application: 8 January 2020 Link: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/mrc-precision-medicine-dtp-investigati...]
Disease mechanisms of vascular disease: Investigating the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Vascular diseases including haemorrhagic stroke are a major health problem for which there is an urgent need for treatments. Increasing our understanding of the underlying molecular disease mechanisms will aid in the development treatment strategies. We have previously identified that mutations in the genes Col4a1 and Col4a2 cause stroke and vascular disease. These mutations cause defects to the extracellular matrix and a cell stress response called endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, caused by misfolding of the mutant collagen protein. Interestingly ER stress has also been observed in other vascular diseases in the general population including high blood pressure and heart failure. However, the actual role of ER stress to these diseases including Col4a1 disease remains unclear. To address this gap in our knowledge, you will employ novel mouse models to determine in vivo the role of ER stress in disease. Combined with cell culture models, imaging and proteomics/next generation sequencing you will investigate the molecular mechanisms by which ER stress affects the vasculature. In so doing this project, will increase our fundamental understanding of ER stress and may help the development of novel disease-mechanism based treatments for vascular disease
Deadline for Application: 20 January 2020 URL: https://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/mvls/graduateschool/mvlsdtp/howtoapply/
Pirkko Huhtala, Ph.D. Coordinator Biocenter Oulu University of Oulu Mailing address: P.O.Box 5000, FIN-90014 University of Oulu Finland Street address: 476B, Aapistie 5A, FIN-90220 Oulu Tel. sis/int. 486101, ulk./Ext. 0294 486101 Tel. +358-294 486101 e-mail pirkko.huhtala@oulu.fimailto:pirkko.huhtala@oulu.fi www.oulu.fi/biocenterhttp://www.oulu.fi/biocenter