Visualisation of Synaptic Transmission

The Department of Cell Physiology and Pharmacology is pleased to offer a funded studentship for October 2012 entry to its Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme. The studentship will pay full-time University UK/EU tuition fees for 3.5 years (with the possibility of funding for a further six months subject to performance) and include a tax-free annual maintenance grant worth at least £13,590 a year.

Research Areas and Supervision

Changes in the strength of synaptic transmission represent a molecular mechanism for learning and memory storage in the central nervous system. Synapses are early targets of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and so understanding how synapses transmit and store information is an essential prerequisite to examining their dysfunction in disease.

We have developed a series of fluorescent protein based bio-sensors that allow the visualisation and quantification of synaptic transmission using state of the art imaging techniques. In neuronal culture models, we have shown that second messengers such as cAMP enhance transmitter release and this effect is accompanied by a prolongation of the underlying calcium signal within presynaptic terminals. We have now incorporated one of our ratiometric calcium sensors into a transgenic mouse so that it is expressed exclusively in presynaptic terminals in the CNS. We now wish to use this mouse strain to evaluate the role of presynaptic calcium on short and long-term plasticity at model synapses and the roles of diffusible anterograde and retrograde messengers on release properties.

The successful applicant will learn a range of techniques including high speed multiphoton and confocal microscopy, electrophysiology and molecular biology. He or she should be highly motivated and enthusiastic.

The successful applicant will be supervised by Professor Nick Hartell.

References

Birnstiel S, Slater NT, McCrimmon DR, Mugnaini E, Hartell NA (2009) Voltage-dependent calcium signaling in rat cerebellar unipolar brush cells. Neuroscience 162:702-712.

Endo S, Shutoh F, Dinh TL, Okamoto T, Ikeda T, Suzuki M, Kawahara S, Yanagihara D, Sato Y, Yamada K, Sakamoto T, Kirino Y, Hartell NA, Yamaguchi K, Itohara S, Nairn AC, Greengard P, Nagao S, Ito M (2009) Dual involvement of G-substrate in motor learning
revealed by gene deletion. ProcNatlAcadSciUSA.

Jacoby S, Sims RE, Hartell NA (2001) Nitric Oxide is required for the induction and heterosynaptic spread of cerebellar LTP. Journal Of Physiology-London 535:825-839.

Sims RE, Hartell NA (2005) Differences in Transmission Properties and Susceptibility to Long-Term Depression Reveal Functional Specialization of Ascending Axon and Parallel Fiber Synapses to Purkinje Cells. Journal Of Neuroscience 25:3246-3257.

Sims RE, Hartell NA (2006) Differential susceptibility to synaptic plasticity reveals a functional specialization of ascending axon and parallel fiber synapses to cerebellar Purkinje cells. JNeurosci 26:5153-5159.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a first-class or high upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline and meet the University's standard English language entry requirements.

This studentship is open to suitable UK/EU and International (i.e., outside the EU) applicants. Please note though that the award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate only. International applicants (and those not eligible to pay UK/EU tuition fees) must demonstrate at the time of their application that they can fund the difference in tuition fee rates.

The studentship is for full-time study only and applicants must be able to commence their studies in October 2012.

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries are welcomed - please contact:

• Professor Nick Hartell
• nh88@le.ac.uk
• Tel. +44 (0)116 252 3301

Apply Now

To apply, simply follow our three-point checklist:

1. Draft a brief personal statement explaining why you would like to work in this area and describing any relevant research experience (including any research projects that you have undertaken - for example, as part of a previous degree - and listing any academic work you have published or which is currently in press awaiting publication). Your personal statement should be no more than 1,000 words.
2. Prepare your supporting documents - including a full Curriculum Vitae
3. Submit your online application or apply by post

The studentship will remain open until filled - however early application is encouraged.

IMPORTANT - In the Fees and Financial Support section of the application, you must state that you wish to be considered for this "PhD Studentship Cell Physiology and Pharmacology Ref. MBSP-12/06"

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