Department of Pharmacology
School of Pharmacy / MRC PhD Studentship
Applications are invited for a 42 month PhD studentship funded by the Medical Research Council and the School of Pharmacy commencing early 2011.
Mechanisms underlying synapse-specific clustering of GABAA receptors
In this project we aim to determine how GABAA receptor subtypes become selectively clustered at specific classes of inhibitory synapse. The fundamental principle arising from previous work is that each presynaptic terminal recognises its postsynaptic partner, while each postsynaptic site recognises the synaptic bouton that innervates it. In response to this recognition, the postsynaptic site sequesters, inserts or captures receptors appropriate for the function of that type of synapse. The question is, how do the pre- and post-synaptic elements recognise each other. Two approaches to this question are being employed (outlined below).
Main Methods and Techniques to be Employed
The ability of GABAergic neurones to form functional synapses when co-cultured with the HEK 293 cells expressing defined subtypes of GABAA receptors is assessed using immunofluorescence, live cell imaging, FM dye- or synaptotagmin- antibody-uptake, electron microscopy and dual whole cell recordings.
In parallel, methods are being developed to generate pure extracellular domains of pentameric GABAA receptors and single subunits using mutagenesis, heterologous expression in mammalian cells lines and insect cells. These will be used to affinity-purify proteins that interact with the extracellular domains of GABAA receptors.
The project is in progress in well equipped, recently refurbished laboratories. Neuroscience at the School of Pharmacy is strong and growing, with 13 research groups in a supportive, friendly environment in the heart of central London’s Bloomsbury. We employ a wide range of techniques and expertise and have a strong interest in inhibitory transmission, receptors and circuitry.
Entry Requirements
Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class BSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology or a cognate discipline.
Due to funding restrictions, only HOME students are eligible for the full award. EU students are eligible for a tuition fees award only. Overseas candidates are not eligible and regretfully enquiries and applications from ineligible candidates will not be acknowledged.
Stipend
The studentship covers tuition fees and a maintenance stipend for 42 months pegged to the MRC in London rate (approx £15,740).
Informal enquiries may be addressed to the supervisor:
Name: Dr Jasmina Jovanovic
Department: Pharmacology
Telephone: 0207 753 5887
Fax: 0207 753 5902
E-mail: jasmina.jovanovic@pharmacy.ac.uk
Web profile: http://www.pharmacy.ac.uk/jasmina_jovanovic.html
Applications
The application form is available online at:
http://www.pharmacy.ac.uk/fileadmin/documents/msc/postgrad-appform-new.pdf
Candidates should send the completed application form, CV, personal statement explaining their interest in the project and the names and contact details (including email) of two academic referees to :
Lauren O’Brien, Registry Officer, The School of Pharmacy, University of London, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, tel: 020 7753 5958, fax: 020 7753 5829.
Queries about application may be addressed to phd@pharmacy.ac.uk
The studentship will be held open until a suitable candidate is appointed.
Informal enquiries to Dr Jovanovic or Prof Thomson.
http://www.pharmacy.ac.uk/neuro.html
School of Pharmacy / MRC PhD Studentship
Applications are invited for a 42 month PhD studentship funded by the Medical Research Council and the School of Pharmacy commencing early 2011.
Mechanisms underlying synapse-specific clustering of GABAA receptors
In this project we aim to determine how GABAA receptor subtypes become selectively clustered at specific classes of inhibitory synapse. The fundamental principle arising from previous work is that each presynaptic terminal recognises its postsynaptic partner, while each postsynaptic site recognises the synaptic bouton that innervates it. In response to this recognition, the postsynaptic site sequesters, inserts or captures receptors appropriate for the function of that type of synapse. The question is, how do the pre- and post-synaptic elements recognise each other. Two approaches to this question are being employed (outlined below).
Main Methods and Techniques to be Employed
The ability of GABAergic neurones to form functional synapses when co-cultured with the HEK 293 cells expressing defined subtypes of GABAA receptors is assessed using immunofluorescence, live cell imaging, FM dye- or synaptotagmin- antibody-uptake, electron microscopy and dual whole cell recordings.
In parallel, methods are being developed to generate pure extracellular domains of pentameric GABAA receptors and single subunits using mutagenesis, heterologous expression in mammalian cells lines and insect cells. These will be used to affinity-purify proteins that interact with the extracellular domains of GABAA receptors.
The project is in progress in well equipped, recently refurbished laboratories. Neuroscience at the School of Pharmacy is strong and growing, with 13 research groups in a supportive, friendly environment in the heart of central London’s Bloomsbury. We employ a wide range of techniques and expertise and have a strong interest in inhibitory transmission, receptors and circuitry.
Entry Requirements
Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class BSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology or a cognate discipline.
Due to funding restrictions, only HOME students are eligible for the full award. EU students are eligible for a tuition fees award only. Overseas candidates are not eligible and regretfully enquiries and applications from ineligible candidates will not be acknowledged.
Stipend
The studentship covers tuition fees and a maintenance stipend for 42 months pegged to the MRC in London rate (approx £15,740).
Informal enquiries may be addressed to the supervisor:
Name: Dr Jasmina Jovanovic
Department: Pharmacology
Telephone: 0207 753 5887
Fax: 0207 753 5902
E-mail: jasmina.jovanovic@pharmacy.ac.uk
Web profile: http://www.pharmacy.ac.uk/jasmina_jovanovic.html
Applications
The application form is available online at:
http://www.pharmacy.ac.uk/fileadmin/documents/msc/postgrad-appform-new.pdf
Candidates should send the completed application form, CV, personal statement explaining their interest in the project and the names and contact details (including email) of two academic referees to :
Lauren O’Brien, Registry Officer, The School of Pharmacy, University of London, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, tel: 020 7753 5958, fax: 020 7753 5829.
Queries about application may be addressed to phd@pharmacy.ac.uk
The studentship will be held open until a suitable candidate is appointed.
Informal enquiries to Dr Jovanovic or Prof Thomson.
http://www.pharmacy.ac.uk/neuro.html