University of East Anglia â School of Biological Sciences (UEA)Â
Deadline:
29 November 2013. Available from 1 October 2014.Â
Supervisor:
Dr Ernst Poschl
E.Poschl@uea.ac.ukÂ
The Project:
Basement membranes (BM) are essential extracellular matrix (ECM) structures needed for the organisation of complex tissues, cell adhesion, differentiation and functions. Members of the collagen IV family represent essential stabilising components and mutations are linked with multiple diseases often associated with vascular defects. In order to define the roles of the major isoform of collagen IV for vascular differentiation and cell functions we will use a mouse model with collagen IV deficiency to analyse vascular formation (Angiogenesis) in vitro and in vivo.Â
Most studies previously assumed that loss of stability of BMs is responsible for the vascular defects. This study will focus on the cell biological effects of Col IV deficiency, as reflected by the specific phenotypes of vascular cells (endothelial as well as perivascular cells), their differentiation and angiogenic capacities. The inductive effects on vascular cells will be tested by analysing changes of gene expression in vascular progenitor cells as a consequence of collagen IV deficiency.
These studies will define the role of collagen IV during early angiogenesis and will later help to understand the consequences in various collagen IV-linked diseases on the vasculature.
Entry Requirements:
2:1 or 2:2 plus Masters. English Language â IELTS 6.5 overall with 6 in each category.
Funding:
Due to funding restrictions funding for PhD studentships from BBSRC is available to successful candidates who meet the UK Research Council eligibility criteria including the 3-year UK residency requirements. These requirements are detailed in the BBSRC eligibility guidelines:
http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/web/FILES/Guidelines/studentship_eligibility.pdf.
In most cases UK and EU nationals who have been ordinarily resident in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the course are eligible for a full-award. Other EU nationals may qualify for a fees only award. All candidates should check to confirm their eligibility for funding.
The current stipend for 2013/14 is £13,726 per annum.
Making Your Application:
For further information and to apply, please visit the 'How to Apply' page on our website by clicking Apply.
Additional Information:
In keeping with the postgraduate training policy of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) all students recruited onto this programme will be required to undertake a three months internship during the second or third year of their study. The internship will offer exciting and invaluable experience of work in an area outside of research, and full support and advice will be provided by a professional team from the UEA.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) â a collaboration between the Norwich Biosciences Institutes and the University of East Anglia. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed as part of the Studentship Competition. The interview dates will be the 14th and 15th January 2014.
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