PhD opportunity: Biological clocks, learning and memory, University of Manchester

A PhD studentship on biological clocks, learning and memory is available at the University of Manchester from September 2013. The circadian clockwork is now recognised as a central component in the regulation of rhythmical physiology and behaviour in mammals. Normal circadian behaviour (sleep wake cycles, feeding and metabolic rate rhythms, hormone cycles etc) is controlled by a small cluster of “clock-genes”, expressed in the brain, and elsewhere. Transcriptional activity of these clock-genes follows a 24h-like rhythm, and importantly the clockwork continues to tick in animals in the absence of external environmental entrainment – the hallmark of a true circadian process.

The laboratory has been studying one of these clock gene members – REVERB – and lab members have recently shown that REVERBs are important in coupling the clockwork to rhythmical immune and metabolic rhythms. Initial approaches will include studies of the learning behaviour of mice bearing a gene knock-out for REVERB. This will include learning and memory (eg Morris water maze), and olfactory memory (Y-maze) and extended later to a wider range of tests, depending on outcomes. A CRE/LOX transgenic technology will then to used to delete REVERB in specific regions of the brain. The student will then compare results with the initial learning and memory outcomes above. Since REVERB genes are strongly expressed in the memory centres of the brain – the hippocampus – we would also like to encourage the student to explore how REVERB and “stress hormones” interact in hippocampal function. Therefore, the final stage of the project will involve targeting REVERB within the hippocampus using the CRE/LOX methods above.

The student will be trained in a diverse range of techniques, including behavioural assays for learning and memory, genetic techniques to create transgenic mice, and neuroscience methods to characterise changes in neuronal function in the learning and memory centres of the brain. The project will be jointly supervised by Dr David Bechtold and Professors Andrew Loudon and David Ray, who all share common laboratory space in the AV Hill Building. Informal questions should be directed to [email protected]; Tel 0044 161 275 3888. Applications should be made on-line at the link below by 7 December 2012 with interviews in New Year.

Apply here