Preclinical Studies Investigating Novel Targets for the Treatment of Amyotrop  ehic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS/MND)

Scotland                 ·              Full time

  Preclinical studies investigating novel targets for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS/MND)

• University of St Andrews – School of Psychology
• Prof Gareth Miles, Dr Ilary Allodi, Prof Julie Atkin, Prof Ian Blair 
• Wednesday, January 31, 2024 
• Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
• St Andrews, United Kingdom, Cell Biology, Neurology, Neuroscience

About the Project

The overarching goal of this translational PhD project is the development of much needed treatments for the fatal and incurable motor neuron disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). One of the key hallmarks of ALS is motor neuron hyperexcitability (excessive activity), which is thought to lead to excitotoxicity and subsequent motor neuron loss. In this project we intend to investigate the potential of compounds that we believe will reduce hyperexcitability, excitotoxicity and ultimately help prevent motor neuron degeneration. We have already identified novel compounds that appear to have efficacy against major pathological events central to ALS and therefore have potential to be developed as a novel therapeutic target. Whilst these compounds are showing promise in ALS models, it is important to fully characterise their mode of action in order to progress them further in the drug development process. In this project we will, therefore, focus on characterising the mechanism of action of these compounds. Given that hyperexcitability and excitotoxicity are closely associated with neurodegeneration, the ability of these compounds to inhibit these pathological events will be examined using a range of state-of-the-art electrophysiological and molecular genetic techniques applied to animal models of ALS. We will also examine the major protein targets binding to the compounds using various ‘omic’ approaches. Finally, we will also examine their efficacy in a range of models of ALS that reflect the varying possible genetic origins of the disease. Together these studies aim to significantly develop our exciting novel compounds as lead therapeutic compounds and possible new treatment for ALS.

The project will be managed jointly between the School of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of St Andrews (Scotland) and the Macquarie Medical School (Australia). The student will be supervised by Prof. Miles and Dr Allodi (St Andrews) and by Prof. Atkin and Prof. Blair (Macquarie).

Informal enquiries regarding this scholarship may be addressed to Dr Ilary Allodi (ia51@st-andrews.ac.uk) or Prof Julie Atkin (julie.atkin@mq.edu.au).

To apply:

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Dr Ilary Allodi (ia51@st-andrews.ac.uk) and Prof Julie Atkin (julie.atkin@mq.edu.au) by the deadline.

 Expressions of interest should include the following documents:

• CV including information about publications.
• Transcripts of most relevant/recent degrees.
• Information about thesis components (thesis mark, word count, weight/length in comparison to the degree overall).
• Statement of suitability as a candidate for the project (max 500 words)

 Following a successful EOI for the scholarship, candidates may be invited to submit an application to both universities for admission into the program and award of the scholarship.

Funding Notes

The student will spend approximately half of their time at the University of St Andrews (Scotland) and half at Macquarie University (Australia).

While at the University of St Andrews, the scholarship will cover tuition fees and a stipend at the current UK Research Council rate (£18,622 each year in 2023-2024).

While at Macquarie University, the scholarship will cover tuition fees (up to 42 months) and a stipend (AUD $35,000 each year, tax exempt, 2024 rate). Macquarie University will also pay for one return economy airfare between Scotland and Australia (maximum value of AUD $4,000).

Please click here to apply.