Back to search results

PhD Studentship: Mathematical Modelling of Cytoneme-based Biochemical Signalling

University of Exeter - Mathematics & Statistics

Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Exeter
Funding for: UK Students, EU Students, International Students
Funding amount: From £17,668 annual stipend
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 22nd March 2023
Closes: 28th April 2023
Reference: 4743

Project Title: Mathematical modelling of cytoneme-based biochemical signalling

Project Description:

Cytonemes are cellular protrusions that enable long distance communication between cells. They are implicated in establishing the morphogenetic gradients associated with pattern formation during development [Brunt et al., 2021], in the growth of gastric tumours [Routledge et al., 2022], and have recently been suggested to promote synapse formation in neurons. Despite their pivotal role in such important physiological processes, cytonemes have received relatively little mathematical treatment. In this project, we will use a combination of mathematical modelling and data analysis techniques to determine the signalling properties of cytonemes that are relevant for tissue patterning and tumour growth.

The mathematical models developed in the project will be based on a PDE-formulation and will build on recent work describing tissue patterning in growing domains [Wedgwood & Ashwin, 2022]. The models will describe the dynamics of two processes. The first will be the growth and retraction of the cytonemes and hence the dynamics of long-range signalling. The second will be the mechanical forces underlying the growth of the biological tissue. These mechanical forces are generated by the movement of cells which, in turn, is dependent on the degree of signalling across the tissue. As such, the tissue growth dynamics are tightly coupled to the cytoneme dynamics. Data to parametrise the models of both processes will be available through our experimental partner Dr Steffen Scholpp.

Using our developed model, we will study three related projects. Specifically, we will investigate:

  1. How cytoneme signalling contributes to the acquisition of robust boundaries between forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain regions during gastrulation. We will compare results with our previously developed model [Wedgwood & Ashwin, 2022], in which transport occurs by linear diffusion, to assess what advantages a cytoneme-signalling system might possess over purely diffusive systems.
  2. How gastric tumour growth is regulated by cytoneme signalling. We will derive quantitative links between parameters associated with cytoneme dynamics and those associated with tumour spheroid growth. Using these, we explore different drug-based strategies for limiting or reversing tumour growth by manipulating cytoneme dynamics.
  3. How cytonemes underpin synapse formation. We will append our model with additional processes to describe calcium signalling events that are associated with synapse formation. Using this appended model, we will identify cytoneme parameters that lead to successful synapse formation and further explore how neuronal networks develop in response to cytoneme signalling.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of mathematics, physics or natural sciences.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the required level (Profile A/B/C)  as per our guidance at:   https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/englishlanguagerequirements/?utm_source=jobsacuk&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=uoe-studentships-pgr-4743-2023

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
Advert information

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):

PhD tools
 

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Ok Ok

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Account Verification Missing

In order to create multiple job alerts, you must first verify your email address to complete your account creation

Request verification email Request verification email

jobs.ac.uk Account Required

In order to create multiple alerts, you must create a jobs.ac.uk jobseeker account

Create Account Create Account

Alert Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your account is currently blocked. Please login to unblock your account.

Email Address Blocked

We received a delivery failure message when attempting to send you an email and therefore your email address has been blocked. You will not receive job alerts until your email address is unblocked. To do so, please choose from one of the two options below.

Max Alerts Reached

A maximum of 5 Job Alerts can be created against your account. Please remove an existing alert in order to create this new Job Alert

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your alert was not created at this time. Please try again.

Ok Ok

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

 
 
 
More PhDs from University of Exeter

Show all PhDs for this organisation …

More PhDs like this
Join in and follow us

Browser Upgrade Recommended

jobs.ac.uk has been optimised for the latest browsers.

For the best user experience, we recommend viewing jobs.ac.uk on one of the following:

Google Chrome Firefox Microsoft Edge