We are what we eat: Plants and their effects on the brain

About the Project

Project Overview:

Plants synthesize many compounds that can act like hormones in mammals. A class of plant compounds called phytosteroids act like steroid hormones and may influence anxiety, reproduction and healthy aging, though the mechanisms by which these signal are poorly understood. This project seeks to understand the mechanism of signalling and identification of phytosteroids, using knowledge gained from traditional medicine. Using brain slices, animals and cell lines, we will also explore the signalling by these phytosteroids in the brain, using the mouse as a model. Depending on the interest of the student, this project can be focused on phylogenetic analyses of plants, ethnobotanical analyses, molecular signalling by hormones and/or behavioural analyses or on stress and aging. If successful, this project will highlight the role of plants in human health and aging and the use of plants, including devising efficient pipelines to source novel plant compounds for human use. This is suitable for students who are interested in gut-brain interaction, use of plants in medicine and ethnoveterinary medicine and phylogenetic methods. It is also suitable for students who may be interested in integrating computational phylogenetic analyses with wet lab work involving neuroscience and/or endocrinology.

The student will be part of a vibrant neuroendocrine and evolutionary biology groups with collaborations across the different departments in SBS. Depending on the interest of the student, there is an opportunity to learn several experimental techniques including immunoassays, molecular biological techniques, slice culture, cell culture, manipulation of genetically modified mouse models, cell biology assays and behavioural analysis. For students interested in mentoring, there are opportunities to serve as co-advisors in summer or autumn undergraduate projects.

University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, provides world-class research education programs. The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, a 30-minute train ride to central London and 40 minutes from London Heathrow airport.

Our School of Biological Sciences conducts high-impact research, tackling current global challenges faced by society and the planet. Our research ranges from understanding and improving human health and combating disease, through to understanding evolutionary processes and uncovering new ways to protect the natural world. In 2020, we moved into a stunning new ~£60 million Health & Life Sciences building. This state-of-the-art facility is purpose-built for science research and teaching. It houses the Cole Museum of Zoology, a café and social spaces.

In the School of Biological Sciences, you will be joining a vibrant community of ~180 PhD students representing ~40 nationalities. Our students publish in high-impact journals, present at international conferences, and organise a range of exciting outreach and public engagement activities.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision and training in a number of different forms. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. In 2020, the School for Biological Sciences moved into a stunning new ~£60 million Health & Life Sciences building. This state-of-the-art facility is purpose-built for science research and teaching. If you need to develop your academic English skills before you start your studies, then the University has an excellent International Study and Language Institute which can help with this.

Eligibility:

• Applicants should have a good bachelor’s degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent)/master’s degree in Biology or a strongly-related discipline.
• International applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional English courses that can help with meeting these requirements. With a commitment to improving diversity in science and engineering, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

*The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community.*

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Biomedical Sciences or Biological Sciences  via ouronline application system.

Further information:

School of Biological Sciences PhD webpage

Enquiries:

Dr. Nandini Vasudevan at n.vasudevan@reading.ac.uk or Prof Julie Hawkins at j.a.hawkins@reading.ac.uk

Funding Notes

We welcome applications from self-funded students worldwide for this project.
If you are applying to an international funding scheme, we encourage you to get in contact as we may be able to support you in your application.