About the project
An opportunity to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) downregulation in the severe neurological disorder Rett syndrome. You will join a new research team within the area of neuroepigenetics, and contribute disease relevant mechanistic insight.
Understanding BDNF downregulation in Rett syndrome, and upregulating it clinically, requires in-depth knowledge of its transcriptional regulation. Several BDNF enhancers have recently been identified in mice.
You and the team will investigate human BDNF gene regulation by enhancers during neuronal differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). We will explore how BDNF enhancer function is altered in Rett syndrome using patient induced PSCs.
We will also explore the consequences of BDNF downregulation for neuronal differentiation, excitability, and connectivity. And target BDNF enhancers in order to upregulate BDNF in Rett syndrome PSCs and correct cellular phenotypes.
The project will provide the framework to develop your core research skills, including:
- human PSC culture and differentiation
- molecular and cell biology techniques
- electrophysiology
The project is funded by the Gerald Kerkut Charitable Trust. You will have the opportunity to participate in their annual symposium and be part of their supportive network. Our lab is part of the Southampton Neuroscience Group, which provides an environment for modern neuroscience research.
