About the Project
Neurons are not alone in the nervous system. They are aided by a team of support cells that are increasingly recognised as having vital roles in all aspects of neuronal function. Our research has focussed on the role of astrocytes – one of the main types of glial cells – in regulating the neuronal circuits of the spinal cord that control movement. Whilst the classic view of astrocytes is that they support neurons, their interactions with neurons appear to be far more complex than previously…
thought.
Within the spinal cord, movement is governed by 'microcircuits': groups of neurons that control specific programmes of muscle activation that ultimately define and shape a diverse range of motor behaviours – from the simple knee-jerk reflex to running long distances. It is unclear how precisely astrocytes interact with the different microcircuits in the spinal cord that control movements. Do astrocytes use specialised signalling tools to interact with neurons in different circuits or in different circumstances? We know that astrocytes form connections with neuronal synapses – but do they contact all types of synapses? Or are some astrocytes designed to interact with just one particular type of synapse?
Evidently, there are many unknowns in the field of astrocyte biology. We simply do not yet know how astrocytes integrate themselves into different circuits that are vital for different aspects of our behaviours. Understanding the diverse functions of astrocytes in spinal motor circuits has important implications for how circuits may be impacted in conditions such as spinal injury or motor neuron disease.
This PhD studentship will aim to decipher whether there are different types of astrocytes that have unique functions in distinct spinal cord motor circuits. We will focus our studies on the tractable mouse spinal cord due to the availability of genetic mouse models that allow us to visualise and manipulate both astrocytes and spinal neurons. The student will have the opportunity to learn a range of neuroscience techniques. These will include electrophysiological, pharmacological and live imaging techniques employed to investigate the functional interactions between neurons and astrocytes in different spinal cord circuits. In addition, the student will learn immunofluorescence labelling methods and super-resolution microscopy to investigate anatomical diversity of astrocytes and their structural interactions in different neural circuits.
How to apply
Application instructions can be found on the EASTBIO website - How to Apply | EastBio Doctoral Training Partnership | Biology
- Download and complete the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion survey.
- Download and complete the EASTBIO Application Form.
- Please complete an application on our online portal: How to apply - Study at St Andrews - University of St Andrews
- Select the course 'PhD with internship'
- Your online application must include the following documents:
- Completed EASTBIO application form
- Academic Qualifications
- English Language Qualification (if applicable)
- 2 References: this must be completed on the EASTBIO Reference Form, also found on the EASTBIO website.
Please download the EASTBIO reference form and send it to your referees. They can either upload it directly to the portal using the automated email they will receive, or they can email it to Rachel at pgrecbiology@st-andrews.ac.uk
Contact
Queries on the project can be directed to the project supervisor.
Queries on the application process can be directed to Rachel Horn at pgrecbiology@st-andrews.ac.uk
UKRI eligibility guidance: Terms and Conditions: View Website International/EU: View Website
Funding Notes
This 4 year PhD project is part of a competition funded by EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership.
This opportunity is open to UK and International students and provides funding to cover stipend at UKRI standard rate and UK level tuition fees. The University of St Andrews will cover the Home-International fee difference.