From genes to movement: the role of microRNA regulation during the development of motor circuitry in flies and fish - Dual-PhD program between Sussex and HKUST (2018)

What you get

£14,777 per annum tax-free bursary (2018-19 rates) and waiver of tuition fees each year for 4 years

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

PhD project

We are looking for an ambitious student interested in participating in a joint PhD project between the University of Sussex (UoS; Alonso laboratory) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST; Miller laboratory) to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie the origins of movement in two modern genetically-tractable systems, Drosophila and zebrafish.

The project will combine the use of modern genetics, CRISPR-gene editing, RNA analysis, advanced microscopy, optogenetics and neural activity analyses to study the emergence and development of movement in Drosophila and zebrafish focusing on the roles played by small non-coding RNAs (microRNAs) in this critical biological process.

You'll benefit from the international stature and complementary strengths of the Alonso Lab in Drosophila Genetics, RNA biology, Neural Development and Behaviour, and the Miller Lab in Zebrafish Genetics, Embryonic Development and Neural Physiology analysis.

We aim to develop an ambitious and exciting research plan to compare and contrast the genetics underlying the development of movement in vertebrates and invertebrates using two key animal systems in modern molecular and developmental biology.

• Scientific background

  The cellular components underlying behaviour are in one way or another affected by the activity of genes.

  Through meticulous analysis of individual gene mutations and their effects on behaviour, it became possible to identify several genes linked to specific behavioural programs.

  Indeed, recent work in the Alonso Lab showed that mutation of a single Drosophila microRNA affects a specific movement [Picao-Osorio et al (2015) Science 350:815-20].

  Furthermore, a recent genetic screen carried out by the Alonso group revealed that ≥40% of all microRNAs expressed in early Drosophila have roles in movement control demonstrating an unprecedented role of microRNA regulation in the control of locomotor behaviour [Picao-Osorio, Baldaia et al (2017) Genetics].

  MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that repress gene activity and as such may represent a key genetic component in the coordination of multicellular processes such as those underlying motor control.

  Interestingly, several of these 'motor-miRNAs' are evolutionarily conserved between Drosophila and zebrafish and are actively expressed during zebrafish early development suggesting that they may play similar roles in the development of movement in the fish.

• Biological question and approach

  The project emerges from an exciting collaboration between two international laboratories, the Alonso Lab at Sussex (UK) and the Miller Lab in Hong Kong (China). The project will involve experiments in Drosophila and zebrafish aiming at discovering the genetic basis of movement control in vertebrates and invertebrates. We will use a range of genetic and CRISPR-based gene editing approaches to test the roles of non-coding RNAs in the development of behaviour and investigate the molecular, cellular, developmental and neuro-physiological bases of the effects of RNA control on the development of movement in flies and fish. The work is expected to contribute to the understanding of the molecular basis of movement and provide insights into how this fundamental process operates in health and disease.

You'll first join the Alonso Lab at Sussex to develop the Drosophila component of the project (years one and two) and then join the Miller Lab in Hong Kong (years 3 and 4) to develop the zebrafish work.

• Alonso Lab: School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, UK
• Miller Lab: Division of Life Science, HKUST, China

Eligibility

The ideal candidate will have developed a successful degree in Neuroscience, Biology or a related discipline (marks equivalent to UK 2.1 or above) and have core interests in neurobiology and developmental biology. Experience in molecular biology, genetics, neurobiology, imaging and familiarity with Drosophila and/or zebrafish systems will be an advantage.

Deadline

How to apply

This scholarship is part of a Dual PhD Program between Sussex (UK) and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

Scholarships, open to Home/EU and Overseas students, cover PhD fees, tax-free stipend at standard UK or Hong Kong rates and research and training costs for four years.

Students must apply to both Sussex (View Website) and HKUST (View Website) and will be registered at both universities for 4 years. They will be guided by both supervisors throughout, but will spend the first two years in Hong Kong and the last two at Sussex, graduating with a PhD from both institutions. When applying to Sussex candidates must upload degree transcripts, IELTS certificate (if non-UK), Personal Statement, 2 References and CV.

Sponsors

The student will at first join the Alonso Lab at Sussex to develop the Drosophila component of the project (years one and two) and then join the Miller Lab in Hong Kong (years 3 and 4) to develop the zebrafish work.
Alonzo Lab: School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, UK
(http://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/alonsolab/)
Miller Lab: Division of Life Science, HKUST, China
(http://calcium-aequorin.ust.hk/index.html)

Contact us

For informal enquiries please contact Claudio Alonso at c.alonso@sussex.ac.uk

For application enquiries contact Anna Izykowska a.izykowska@sussex.ac.uk

Timetable

Deadline to apply 1 May 2018