Apply here: https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=66609&LID=1238
Project Description
Macrophages, such as the microglia of the brain, play essential homeostatic, remodelling, recycling and defence functions in all the tissues of the body. When they are overwhelmed by specialized pathogens such as HIV-1, or chronic accumulations of debris such as amyloids, notably in neurodegenerative disease, their inflammatory response can result in serious tissue damage. In order to provide a physiologically authentic, yet genetically tractable model for the study of human tissue macrophages, we have developed a technology platform, based on human pluripotent stem cells, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and directed differentiation (Buchrieser, James et al. 2017, Haenseler, Sansom et al. 2017, Haenseler, Zambon et al. 2017). In this project, you will use these methods to investigate the function of defined candidate genes in these pathological processes.
Funding Notes
4 Year DPhil Prize Studentships cover University and College fees, a stipend of ~£16,500 pa, and up to £5,300 pa for research costs and travel. The competition is open to applicants from all countries. See View Website for full details and to apply.
References
Buchrieser, J., W. James and M. D. Moore (2017). “Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Macrophages Share Ontogeny with MYB-Independent Tissue-Resident Macrophages.” Stem Cell Reports 8(2): 334-345.
Haenseler, W., S. N. Sansom, J. Buchrieser, S. E. Newey, C. S. Moore, F. J. Nicholls, S. Chintawar, C. Schnell, J. P. Antel, N. D. Allen, M. Z. Cader, R. Wade-Martins, W. S. James and S. A. Cowley (2017). “A Highly Efficient Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Microglia Model Displays a Neuronal-Co-culture-Specific Expression Profile and Inflammatory Response.” Stem Cell Reports 8(6): 1727-1742.
Haenseler, W., F. Zambon, H. Lee, J. Vowles, F. Rinaldi, G. Duggal, H. Houlden, K. Gwinn, S. Wray, K. C. Luk, R. Wade-Martins, W. S. James and S. A. Cowley (2017). “Excess alpha-synuclein compromises phagocytosis in iPSC-derived macrophages.” Sci Rep 7(1): 9003.
