PhD Studentship: Building the Vertebrate Spine: The Neck to Thorax Transition (MUNSTERBERG_U24DTP1)

Primary Supervisor: Professor Andrea Münsterberg  

Segmentation of the main body axis is a fundamental and conserved feature of all vertebrate embryos. It results in the metameric organization of the vertebral column and its associated muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. The vertebral column is produced by somites, transient aggregates of cells generated by unsegmented paraxial mesoderm (PSM) on each side of the neural tube. We have previously determined how gene expression is dynamically controlled along the anterior-posterior axis of developing chick embryos to generate the different sections of the spine. Using genome-wide methods, ATAC-seq and RNA-seq, we identified accessible chromatin and differentially expressed genes. We focused on the neck to thorax (C/T) transition, as the separation of the head from the forelimbs allowed its free movement, enabled adaptations and biodiversity. Thus, this region is of evolutionary importance. Furthermore,congenital malformations of the spine, such as a cervical rib, are associated with thoracic outlet syndrome in human. This can lead to pressure, causing pain and affecting visceral organs. This project will validate several novel markers associated with C/T axial identity, such as regulatory elements, protein coding genes and lncRNAs, and investigate their function in vivo. The conservation of genetic mechanisms will be examined by comparing embryos of avian species with shorter or longer necks, where the C/T transition has shifted along the axis. The student will gain highly transferable skills in gene editing and epigenome editing, embryology and development and bioinformatics through the completion of the objectives. The supervisory team has complementary expertise providing multidisciplinary training to support the successful student candidate, who should be motivated and curious. Scientific collaborations and conference attendance will be encouraged - in addition to opportunities offered by the DTP, UEA and the NRP. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will potentially be interviewed on 4, 5, and 6 June 2024.

For further information on eligibility and how to apply visit here.

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master's degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) PhD studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2023/4 stipend rate: £18,622), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.

Advert information