Mechanisms of disease onset of C9 ALS/FTD
To start: 1st June 2017
Award
1 fully funded IoPPN/MNDA PhD studentship
Project
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are devastating diseases for which currently no cure is available. A GGGGCC (G4C2) hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 has been identified as the most common genetic abnormality in both FTD and ALS, that also leads to the accumulation of dipeptide-repeat proteins (DPRs). These DPRs form inclusions in patient brains that are also characterised by cytoplasmic inclusions of TDP-43, a protein whose dysfunction is causally related to FTD and ALS. However, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying G4C2 repeat expansion and its relation to TDP-43 remain elusive.
Previous work has identified key alterations caused by C9ALS/FTD derived DPRs in both a Drosophila model of C9FTD/ALS and human post mortem tissue. To gain further insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying C9ALS/FTD, this study will cover an RNA-sequencing screen and subsequent validation experiments. Methods applied include Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Histology, Confocal and Super-Resolution Microscopy as well as Behavioural Analysis. The successful candidate will thus gain insights into molecular mechanisms underlying onset and progression of C9ALS/FTD.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a 2:1 or 1st class honours degree (or equivalent) in a subject relevant to the proposed project. If applicants already possess a research-based MSc degree, a merit or distinction level (or equivalent) is required.
Where necessary, Band D proficiency in English is required; see here.
Award type and eligibility
The award covers a 3-year PhD stipend (year one: £17,000; year two: £17,500; year three: £18,000) and tuition fees for UK/EU nationals.
How to apply
Applicants must complete and submit an online admissions application, via the admissions portal by 16:00 GMT on Friday 5th May 2017.
On the ‘Choosing a programme’ page, select ‘Research degrees’ and enter keyword Neuroscience, then select the programme Neuroscience Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time).
In your application, you need to include:
- Academic Transcripts – where applicable, academic transcripts must be submitted with the online admissions application
- Details of your qualifications (you will need to attach copies)
- Details of previous employment
- A personal statement describing your interests and why you wish to apply for this project. Please attach this as an attachment rather than using the text box.
- Academic References – all admissions applications require two supporting references. If the applicant is relying on his/her referees to submit references directly to the College after he/she has submitted his/her admissions application, then the applicant must ensure that their chosen referees are made aware of the funding deadline.
In the Funding section, please tick box 5 and include the reference:
FH-MNDA-PhD-2017
Please note there is no need to complete the Research Proposal section in your application as the project has already been set.
You are welcome to email Dr Frank Hirth (supervisor) for more information regarding the project and studentship.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Research Administrator.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Closing Date: 16:00 GMT on Friday 5th May 2017.
Interviews: TBC - w/c 8th May 2017.
Further Information
About the IoPPN: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/about/index.aspx
Studying at the IoPPN: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/study/index.aspx
MSc programmes at the IoPPN: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/prospectus/school/institute-of-psychiatry-psychology-and-neuroscience/programmes#graduate
Research degrees at the IoPPN: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/study/prospective-students/programmes-of-study/pgr/welcome.aspx