- Vacancy Reference Number
- MIBTP-VS/WN
- Closing Date
- 7 Jan 2018
- Salary
- Research Council Rate
- Address
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology & Behaviour
University of Leicester
University Road
Leicester
LE1 9HN
- Duration
- 4 years
Pre- and early postnatal stress has been shown to affect brain development and adult behaviour, and is a known risk factor for the onset of anxiety and depression in later life. These conditions have been linked to serotonin signalling, a neurotransmitter that acts as a neuromodulator in the adult brain. Serotonin also affects neuronal growth during development, and there is evidence that changes in serotonin signalling during this period can lead to anxious and depressive behaviour. We hypothesise that developmental stress affects serotonergic signalling during critical periods of brain development resulting in behavioural changes in later life. Here we will explore this hypothesis using zebrafish as a model system. In particular, we will study the influence of developmental stress on serotonergic signalling during development. We will also investigate whether stress hormone exposure or pharmacological alteration of serotonin signalling during development can mimic the effects of developmental stress on serotonin receptor expression, brain development and behaviour.
The project is advertised as part of the BBSRC-MIBTP postgraduate training programme.
Further Information
https://www2.le.ac.uk/research-degrees/doctoral-training-partnerships/bbsrc/molecules-cells-and-systems
Contact Details
Volko Straub
Department of Neuroscience, Psychology & Behaviour
University of Leicester
University Road
Leicester
LE1 9HN
email: vs64@le.ac.uk
