Project title
The Rhonski project: Examining Rho and Notch signalling in skin development and disease
Supervisory team
About the Project
The skin provides a crucial protective layer between the human body and the outside world. Whilst the epidermis forms a barrier against infection, the inner dermis houses the blood vessels required to sustain the hair follicles and cells contained within both the epidermal and dermal layers. Formation of the skin during foetal development is a tightly controlled process. If disrupted, babies can be born with areas of missing skin (aplasia cutis congenita), or abnormalities in the skin’s blood supply. Such birth defects are key features of the inherited disorder Adams-Oliver syndrome (AOS). Through our genetic studies, we have identified the Rho GTPase and Notch protein families as critical for normal skin development. However, it remains unclear how these two pathways cause AOS, or how they co-operate to form the skin and its supporting blood vessels.
The Rhonski (Rho and Notch in skin) project aims to provide novel insights into the fundamental cellular processes that control how skin is formed. By studying the impact of gene disruption in cells from different layers of the skin, we seek to define the key factors that cause aplasia cutis congenita and vascular anomalies in AOS. We will also use molecular interaction studies to identify new proteins that intersect with the Rho and Notch pathways to regulate normal skin development. By understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating skin morphogenesis, this project will support the design of novel strategies for reconstructive and regenerative therapies, offering less invasive treatment options for people with developmental skin conditions in future. This PhD project is highly relevant to students who are interested in applying computational and molecular biology approaches to better understanding human health and disease.
Skills acquisition
This project will equip the student with a range of versatile skills including 2D and 3D cell culture, targeted gene disruption, computational biology, genomic analysis and imaging skills.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have obtained, or be about to obtain, an MSc/MRes or BSc (2:1 or above) in biological sciences, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology or a related life sciences field. Candidates with prior experience in bioinformatics or cell biology are desirable but personal attributes will also be positively considered.
Funding
The studentship provides funding for three years full-time and includes Home tuition fees plus a tax-free stipend in line with UKRI rates. We welcome applications from international students (EU and rest of the world), but they will normally be required to cover the difference between Home and International tuition fee rates.
Application process
Please send the completed application form to stgeorgesphd@sgul.ac.uk by no later than Sunday 26 May. An equal opportunities form should also be submitted as a separate document. References will be requested should you be successful in being offered the studentship.
Applications will undergo shortlisting and successful applicants will then be invited to interview on the week of the 17 - 21 June.
The successful candidate will be given a verbal offer and once it has been accepted, will be sent a formal offer letter and a registration pack with joining information. Unsuccessful candidates will be contacted with their outcomes at the earliest opportunity and will be able to request feedback if required.