Role of lipids in regulating in vivo chemotaxis
Fact file
| Duration |
Three to four years full-time |
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| Eligibility |
Self-funded; Home, EU or International Students |
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| Supervisor(s) |
Dr Andrew Renault
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| Application deadline |
No deadline |
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About the project
Aberrant cell migration is a critical factor in the progression of many diseases including cancer and atherosclerosis. We use the migration of a particular cell type called the germ cells as a model to gain fundamental insights into the process of cell migration and in particular the factors that attract and repel cells. We use embryos of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to study this process because of its sophisticated genetics which allow us to precisely mis-express various signalling pathways and we can watch the response of the germ cells live, with the cells in their native context. Two lipid metabolic pathways are important in regulating the directionality of germ cell migration in flies. However it is not currently known over what distances they act and how they interact together at a molecular level. This project will address these questions using a mixture of cell biology, genetics, live imaging, cell culture and biochemistry. We also have active collaborations with mathematicians who are attempting to model germ cell migration, and students with a suitable background would be encouraged to engage with these efforts. By gaining a more complete understanding of the migration of germ cells, we hope to undercover principles that will be applicable to the many other cell types that migrate in a similar fashion.
Funding notes
This project is available to self-funded students. Home applicants should contact the supervisor to determine the current funding status for this project. EU applicants should visit the Graduate School webpages for information on specific EU scholarships. International applicants should visit our International Research Scholarships page for information regarding fees and funding at the University.
See this project on FindaPhD
Role of lipids in regulating in vivo chemotaxis