Determining molecular mechanisms of action of anti-obesity medications in neural stem cells and neurons

Medications in neural stem cells and neurons

Project Description

Project Overview Due to the increasing prevalence of obesity, Anti-Obesity Medications (AOMs) are among the most frequently prescribed drugs in human medicine. Recent studies have shown that AOMs

can promote adult neurogenesis, the process of generating new neurons from neural stem cells in the brain. These new neurons are crucial for cognitive functions, mood regulation, and energy balance. To better understand how AOMs work, this project will, for the first time, investigate how AOMs regulate gene expression, physiology, and cell fate decisions in neural stem cells and newly formed neurons using mouse models. Additionally, the project will explore how AOMs affect the development and responsiveness of human neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Finally, the research will examine how AOMs influence cognitive functions and anxiety-related behaviours in mice. Research Opportunity In this project, you will work with one of the most impactful and rapidly evolving classes of medications. This translational project will focus on understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the action of both experimental and human medicine-approved AOMs. The findings will be directly relevant to human healthcare and biomedical research. You will gain hands-on experience with a broad range of widely used methods in biomedical research, including: · Cell culture techniques · Advanced imaging methods, such as light-sheet and confocal microscopy · Electrophysiology · RNA sequencing · Human iPSC technology · Behavioural neuroscience Your training will also include certification for working with experimental animals and human brain cells. The project can be tailored to your specific interests, allowing you to focus on specific areas of neuroscience. Research Focus Depending on your interests, we can tailor this research project in multiple ways. For example, you could investigate the hippocampus, which is involved in learning and mood control, or the hypothalamus, which plays a key role in appetite regulation and energy homeostasis. If you are more interested in human neurons, the project can shift its focus to this area, including using human iPSC-derived neurons instead of animal brain tissue. The proposed research methods offer similar flexibility to match your interests. For example, you could expand advanced imaging techniques to study human neurons or living brain tissue or learn cutting-edge methodologies such as combining patch-clamp electrophysiology with single-cell RNA sequencing.

Supervision and Collaboration Our supervisory team brings a wealth of expertise in neural stem cells, iPSC technology, and advanced neurophysiological and molecular biological techniques. Our laboratories are well-equipped to support all aspects of this project. In addition, you will have opportunities to collaborate with both intramural and international partners, providing a rich environment for gaining further expertise in neuroscience or synthetic chemistry. Cardiff University contains the Medicine Discovery Institute and one of the UK’s leading pharmacology schools, providing potential for involvement in screening and developing new AOMs.

How to apply: 

You can apply online – consideration is automatic on applying for a PhD in Biosciences

Please use our online application service at https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/biosciences-phd-mphil-md  

Please specify that you are applying for this particular project, the supervisor and source of funding.

Information on the application process can be found here  

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying