Lead Supervisor: Professor Robert J Harvey (SoP)
Co-Supervisor: Dr Maya Topf (Bbk)
Applications are invited for a three year Bloomsbury Colleges PhD Studentship starting in October 2009 in the laboratories of Professor Robert J. Harvey at the School of Pharmacy University of London and Dr Maya Topf at Birkbeck University of London. This joint PhD project aims to combine genetic, functional and computational analysis to determine how mutations in the genes that encode the glycine receptor alpha 1 subunit and the glycine transporter GlyT2 affect the functional properties of these proteins. Defects in glycine receptors and transporters in humans result in a neurological disorder known as hyperekplexia or startle disease.(Harvey RJ et al. 2008, Trends in Genetics 24: 439-447). This affects newborn children, causing noise-or touch-induced seizures that result in muscle stiffness and suspension of breathing. Although rare, this disorder can have serious consequences, including brain damage and/or sudden infant death.
The successful candidate will work jointly in an established research group at the School of Pharmacy and at the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology at Birkbeck/UCL. This project will allow the development of skills in computational structural biology, bioinformatics, molecular biology and functional assays (e.g. glycine uptake). The Ph.D. Studentship will be enhanced by the provision of specialized training courses available at both academic institutions.
Applications are invited from candidates with a first or upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, in molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience or other relevant subjects. Candidates should ideally have experience in molecular biology/molecular modelling, be highly motivated and have an interest in working within a multidisciplinary environment. Candidates must be of Home/EU status.
To apply, please send a completed Postgraduate Application Form to: (http://www.pharmacy.ac.uk/fileadmin/documents/msc/postgrad-appform-new.pdf) to:
The Registrar
The School of Pharmacy
University of London
29-39 Brunswick Square
London
WC1N 1AX
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7753 5958:
Fax: +44 (0)20 7753 5829
e-mail: registry@pharmacy.ac.uk
Informal enquiries about the studentship may be directed to the supervisors:
Professor Robert J Harvey; robert.harvey@pharmacy.ac.uk
Dr Maya Topf; m.topf@cryst.bbk.ac.uk
Key References
Charlier C et al. (2008) Highly effective SNP-based association mapping and management of recessive defects in livestock. Nature Genetics 40: 449-454
Harvey RJ, Topf M, Harvey K, Ree MI (2008) The genetics of hyperekplexia: more than startle! Trends in Genetics 24: 439-447.
Miller PS, Topf M, Smart TG (2008) Mapping a molecular link between allosteric inhibition and activation and activation of the glycine receptor. Nature Structural and Molecular Biology 15: 1084-1093.
Rees MI et al (2006) Mutations in the gene encoding GlyT2 (SLC6A5) define a presynaptic component of human startle disease. Nature Genetics 38: 801-806
Closing date for applications is 31 May 2009