MSc by Research: Investigating the cell cycle in the context of neurodevelopment

Prof J K Dale

Applications accepted all year round

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

About the Project

During early embryogenesis the structure that will become the central nervous system, the neural tube, is formed by a process called neurulation. If this process does not occur correctly and in a timely manner then this can lead to neural tube defects (NTDs). NTDs are the second most common congenital defect, affecting as many as 1 in 1000 pregnancies, with the prognoses ranging from perinatal death to motor deficits, incontinence, intellectual disability to no noticeable effects.

NTDs are known to have a complex aetiology, indeed, mouse models have highlighted over 200 genes thought to have a role to play in the correct formation of the neural tube. A subset of these genes are components of the Notch signalling pathway (Hes1, Hes3, Notch3, RBP-Jĸ) and are thought to cause NTDS by disturbing the careful balance between cell proliferation and cell differentiation (Copp and Greene , 2009).

Here we will utilise human neural stem cells (NSCs) harbouring either WT or mutant NOTCH as tools to investigate how NOTCH controls the timing and balance of proliferation and differentiation. Data from the JKD lab has shown that our mutant NOTCH cells are delayed when we differentiate mutant human iPS cells into neuroectodermal cells (Meijer et al, 2025). More recently, preliminary data from the lab has suggested that mutant NOTCH NSCs show an increase in cell cycle time.

This project will investigate the extent to which the cell cycle dynamics between WT and mutant NOTCH are the same or differ and how NICD, the downstream effector of NOTCH signalling, changes during cell cycle.

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