MSc by Research: Caenorhabditis elegans: A genetic model to study anosmia, loss of olfaction, associated with Parkinson’s Disease

About the Project

Parkinson’s Disease or PD is the second fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in the UK. PD is an age-associated disease characterized by tremors, change in gait, loss of appetite and loss or reduction in the sense of smell (anosmia). Anosmia is reported in individuals with PD years to decade before tremors and loss of dopaminergic neurons. Anosmia has a huge impact on the quality of life leading as well as loss or gain in body weight. Mutations in a gene encoding a leucine rich repeat kinase, LRRK2, are linked to (i) familial cases of PD, (ii) loss of cilia in neurons. Individuals with PD carrying pathogenic mutations in this gene also report anosmia.

To obtain mechanistic insight into anosmia, we will create a genetic model for PD in a nematode Caenorhabditis elegans where we have well established assays to study olfaction and cilia morphology. In the M Res research project, we will express mutant copy of human lrrk2 gene in ciliated, olfactory neurons of C. elegans and study their effect on cilia morphology, odorant structure expression and receptor function in whole animals. In humans and mice, LRRK2 is known to phosphorylate Rab GTPases involved in vesicular trafficking. We will study phosphorylation patterns for C. elegans Rab proteins in presence of pathogenic LRRK-2 protein.

The student will acquire training in C. elegans maintenance, genetic manipulation, microscopy-based imaging of olfactory neurons, chemotaxis assays, transcript analysis by qRT-PCR and analysis of proteins by gel electrophoresis and Western Blotting. The student will be provided training in scientific writing, statistics and data management. The student will also receive mentoring support during career transition.

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.

Please see our website for further details on the programme and how to apply: Life Sciences MSc by Research MSc by Research (Postgraduate) : Study : University of Dundee

Please note before submitting your application that you must list your top three project choices in the Research Proposal section of the application form.

When you complete your application form, you should include your top 3 project choices, 2 letters of reference, uploaded under "Other Information" > "Supporting documents" and a personal statement. Failure to do so will delay your application.

Please note when submitting an application, please note our intake deadlines on the ‘how to apply’ section of our website.