Pro-Gradu
Student Position,
A position is available immediately for
a Pro-Gradu Student in the Myelin Group
(Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Biomedicine Unit, on the campus of
the Oulu University Medical Faculty).
Background
The research activity of the Myelin Group focuses on the events leading
up to, and contributing to, the formation of the myelin sheath in the
peripheral nervous system (PNS). One of the principal models that we employ for
our research allows us to study the biochemistry and cell biology of myelin
synthesis in culture. This model was originally developed for use with rat
cells and proved to be inadequate for mice. Since there are numerous mouse
myelin mutants essential to our research (and very few rat mutants), we have developed
a new myelinating coculture method that can be applied to mouse cells (Honkanen
et al. 2007; Päiväläinen et al. 2008). Although the method works well for cells
isolated from out-bred mouse strains, cells from in-bred mouse strains (among
which most mutants are found) behave differently.
The project
The project to be undertaken by the
Pro-Gradu student involves the study of factors influencing the proliferation
of Schwann cells isolated from an in-bred mouse strain (C57BL6) and aims to
determine the optimal conditions required to stimulate their growth in culture.
The project will benefit from the
strong experience of the other Myelin Group members in the development and
exploitation of methods for the isolation and growth of Schwann cells (from
mice and rats) and in the use of the (mouse and rat) myelinating coculture
model.
Requirements
In addition to fulfilling the normal
criteria for undertaking a Pro-Gradu research project, the successful candidate
will be a Biochemist or a Biologist with practical experience in cell culture
(e.g. Cell Culture Optional Study, M.Sc. level), as well as a working
proficiency in English (perfection is not necessary).
Research Group
In addition to the Group Leader
(Doc. Anthony Heape), the Myelin Group
currently includes 3 postgraduate researchers and has strong national and
international collaborative relationships with a number of other groups.
More information about our group and
its research activities can be found on the web site of the Myelin Group: http://cc.oulu.fi/~aheape/MyelinGroup.html
Contact
Anthony
M. HEAPE
E-mail: Anthony.Heape@oulu.fi
Tel (office): 08 -537 5197
Cell phone: 050-433 2892
The Myelin Group
Biomedicine Unit
Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology
90014
Web: http://cc.oulu.fi/~aheape/MyelinGroup.html
http://cc.oulu.fi/~aheape/MMDC_home.html