Start Date: October 2016.

Supervisor: Dr Samuel Fountain, s.j.fountain@uea.ac.uk

The Project:

P2X receptors (P2X1-7) are a family of cell surface ligand-gated ion channels activated by extracellular adenosine 5’triphosphate (ATP) associated with painful and inflammatory signalling. Functional P2X receptors assembly as homo- and hetero-trimers, though the composition of human P2X4 subunit containing receptors has not been fully explored. P2X4 activity is associated with the development of neuropathetic pain and the relaxation of arteries, but the composition and stoichiometry of human P2X4-containing receptors is unclear. The overarching aim of this project is to explore the molecular and functional evidence for association of the human P2X4 subunit with other P2X subunit family members, exploring the impact on ion channel properties and pharmacology in recombinant and native systems such as macrophage. These are important considerations for future drug development.

The project will involve training in a number of cutting-edge cellular and molecular techniques to explore P2X4 function, specifically dynamic intracellular calcium measurements, patch-clamp electrophysiology, production and use of viruses for gene expression and knockout, protein chemistry and confocal microscopy. We are a lively, internationally recognised and well-funded research team funded by the BBSRC and British Heart Foundation. The laboratory is situated in the state-of-the-art Biomedical Research Centre.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 degree in Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences

Funding:

This PhD project is offered on a self-funding basis. It is open to applicants with funding or those applying to funding sources. Details of tuition fees can be found at http://www.uea.ac.uk/pgresearch/pgrfees.

A bench fee is also payable on top of the tuition fee to cover specialist equipment or laboratory costs required for the research. The amount charged annually will vary considerably depending on the nature of the project and applicants should contact the primary supervisor for further information about the fee associated with the project.

To discuss the application process or particular projects, please contact the: Admissions Office, email: pgr.enquiries.admiss@uea.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)1603 591709.

We value your feedback on the quality of our adverts. If you have a comment to make about the overall quality of this advert, or its categorisation then please send us your feedback