MRes – Effects of progesterone supplementation during early pregnancy on fetal brain gene expression (project ID SAS0214)

This laboratory-based project will investigate effects of progesterone supplementation during early pregnancy on fetal male and female frontal cortex developmental gene expression using a clinically relevant ovine model.

Hormones orchestrate fetal development, and hormonal imbalance during fetal life has sex-specific lifelong health consequences. Recent clinical guidelines on the management of bleeding in early pregnancy in women with previous miscarriage recommend exogenous progesterone treatment until 16 weeks of pregnancy¹. We don’t understand any potential effects of giving extra progesterone during pregnancy on fetal development². Progesterone is recognised as having potent effects on the developing fetal brain³. There is emergent human data linking progesterone treatment in early pregnancy with autism spectrum disorder, which is more common in males⁴. We recently demonstrated that progesterone treatment in pregnancy increased male, but not female, fetal progesterone concentrations and altered development of the male reproductive system, including hypothalamic-pituitary function⁵. We urgently need to comprehend the potential of altered neural development of the frontal cortex (key in autism development) as a consequence of exogenous progesterone treatment. 

This project will use combination of molecular techniques and bioinformatics to assess gene expression in already collected fetal frontal sheep cortex samples. Methods will include RNA handling, microfluidic quality assurance of RNA quality, cDNA synthesis, qPCR assay design and validation, data handling, statistical analysis and bioinformatic analysis.

Training/skills developed: the applicant will develop a number of skills, including state of the art bioinformatic analysis, statistical processing and biological pathway analysis, qPCR and resultant data handling, critical analysis of data and contextualisation of findings with published literature

 

Academic qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in biological sciences with a good fundamental knowledge of mammalian cellular and molecular biology.

 

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

 

Essential attributes:

·        Basic experience of fundamental molecular techniques. 

·        Competency in data analysis/ statistical analysis

·        Good written and oral communication skills

·        Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project

·        Good time management

Desirable attributes:

·        Understanding of developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis

 

 

TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK ON THE ‘INSTITUTION WEBSITE’ LINK ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THIS PAGE.

When applying, please quote the application reference SAS0214 on your form.

 APPLICATION CHECKLIST

·        Completed application form 

·        CV

·        2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (Found on the application process page)

·        A personal research statement (This should include (a) a brief description of your relevant experience and skills, (b) an indication of

·        What you would uniquely bring to the project and (c) a statement of how this project fits with your future direction.)

·        Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)