Identifying causal factors affecting muscle function in ageing from gene expression profiling and functional perturbations
Project details
First supervisor: Dr Robert Knight
Mode of study: Full-time
Eligibility: UK / Overseas
Start dates: 01 October, 01 February, 01 June
Application deadline: Open until a suitable candidate is found
Reference number: 2026-RK01
Open to externally sponsored or self-funded applicants
See Fees or Funding for current rates
Contact supervisor for expected bench fee rates
Project description
Ageing involves a number of molecular changes across all cell types, resulting in altered cell-cell communication, function and maintenance of tissues. To identify potential causal factors driving age-associated tissue dysfunction an accelerated ageing animal model will be used to explore how defined perturbations affect cells and molecules. By modelling the impact of these changes it is then possible to predict potential causal factors driving aberrant cell function and hence tissue homeostasis in ageing. This project will use zebrafish telomerase mutants showing accelerated ageing to examine the importance of ageing-associated factors in regulating muscle homeostasis and repair. Using data from live imaging, immunolabelling and transcriptional profiling computational models will be generated to make predictions about ageing-associated changes and tested by experimental manipulation. The key goal of the project is to build a digital twin for molecular mechanisms underpinning muscle ageing which will be validated with in vivo experiments.
Research training
Students will learn skill sets will include live cell imaging, use of zebrafish as a model organism, gene expression analysis, gene functional manipulation, computational methods for analysing gene expression and modelling perturbations. They will also learn about muscle biology and tissue regeneration, ageing and molecular signalling.
Next steps
In the first instance, please contact the supervisor to discuss your interest in the project prior to submitting an application.
To view entry requirements and further general information, see the Dental and Health Sciences Research MPhil/PhD prospectus page.
Apply online at apply.kcl.ac.uk following these steps:
- Register a new account/login.
- Once logged in, select Create a new application.
- Enter ‘Dental and Health Sciences Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time)' under Choose a Programme.
- Select your chosen start date.
- Please note: Applicants must include the project reference number (2026-RK01) in the 'Research proposal' and 'Funding (point 5)' sections of the application
Contact for further information
Related Centre: Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology
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