Angiogenesis is the formation of blood vessels from pre-exisiting vessels. Angiogenesis is essential for maintaining healthy physiological processes and for the revascularisation of tissues later in life (e.g. after an injury). In this project you will be investigating the the role of Talpid3, an important component of primary cilia, in regulating angiogenesis in both chick and mouse models.

The goal of this studentship is to determine how endothelial Talpid3 regulates angiogenesis at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels. The project would give the student experience in a wide range of cross-disciplinary techniques, including working with tissue specific knockout mice, micro-injection of gene modulators in chicken embryos, endothelial cell isolation, cell imaging and tissue culture. The student will learn standard techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and the use of confocal microscopy. The project will also involve culture of endothelial cells and a variety of in vitro signalling and biochemistry assays.

The project offers students the opportunity to work in two different dynamic environments – one at the Quadram Institute and one at the School of Biological Sciences at UEA. Both places offer excellent facilities and resources for undertaking a wide variety of different biomedical research techniques. This opportunity for a studentship is available for exceptional candidates with an interest in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, and/or vascular biology.

References:

Berbari, N. F., O’Connor, A. K., Haycraft, C. J. and Yoder, B. K. (2009). The primary cilium as a complex signaling center. Curr Biol 19, R526-35.

Davey, M. G., Paton, I. R., Yin, Y., Schmidt, M., Bangs, F. K., Morrice, D. R., Smith, T. G., Buxton, P., Stamataki, D., Tanaka, M., Münsterberg, A., Tickle, C. and Burt, D. (2006). The chicken talpid3 gene encodes a novel protein essential for Hedgehog signaling. Genes Dev 20, 1365-77.

Yin, Y., Bangs, F., Paton, I. R., Prescott, A., James, J., Davey, M. G., Whitley, P., Genikhovich, G., Technau, U., Burt, D. W. and Tickle, C. (2009). The Talpid3 gene

Entry Requirements:

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master’s degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Funding:

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) PhD studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend for each year of the studentship (2020/21 stipend rate: £15,285), and a Research Training Support Grant for each year of the studentship of £5,000 p.a..

About The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP)

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) is open to UK and international candidates for entry October 2021 and offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP programme. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on Thursday 7th January, Friday 8th January and Monday 11th January 2021.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.