The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is key in transmitting signals from the outside world to our brain and vice versa. However, once this process is disrupted (i.e. trauma, inflammation, tumours), there is little can be done to regain loss of neurological functions. A promising option is using stem-cell derived cells to substitute and integrate missing components of the peripheral nerve to help with regeneration and functional restoration. This can also serve as a platform for answering key questions about the PNS, model diseases affecting the PNS, and for uncovering novel drug-based therapeutics.
Previously, we reported a novel dual-targeting strategy for highly efficient expression of transcription factors in human stem cells, allowing us to reprogram them into mature cell types such as glutamatergic neurons and myocytes in a rapid and robust manner. Termed OPTi-OX, students will use this technology to generate human stem-cell derived motor and sensory neurons and integrate these cell types to generate an in vitro model of the peripheral nervous system. The prospective student will use a range of techniques, including: human stem cell culture; generation of mature human cell types through forward reprogramming; molecular biology, genome editing using zinc fingers and CRISPR-Cas. The student will have the optional opportunity to translate its work in vivo (rodent models) and collaborate with neuro-prosthetic experts to develop next generation of combined stem-cell/neural interface technology.
Funding deadline is 5th December 2018 for start in October 2019. When applying indicate on the application the funding options (GATES USA *deadline 10/10/18*, Gates Cambridge or other Cambridge Funders). Home/EU and International applications are all considered for funding.
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