The role of extracellular matrix receptors for stem cell function in skeletal muscle
School of Biological Sciences
School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia.
This fully funded studentship is available to start in October 2008, under the supervision of Prof Ulrike Mayer, in the in the School of Biological Sciences, UEA Norwich, recognised as one of the UK’s top biology departments (RAE 5). The project is funded by the MRC.
Project description:
Satellite cells are the stem cells in adult skeletal muscle and lie in their own niche separated from the muscle fiber by a basement membrane. Under normal circumstances, satellite cells are quiescent, but become activated upon muscle injury in the adult and contribute to tissue regeneration and self-renew their own population. Satellite stem cells are therefore believed to be a powerful tool for cell-based therapies in muscle wasting diseases. However, our understanding of the basic mechanisms that regulate satellite cells behavior is still rudimentary. Our laboratory has recently shown that mice lacking integrin alpha 7 and dystrophin (DKO) have a similar phenotype as Duchenne muscular dystrophy in human with respect to the progression of the disease, tissues involved and premature death post-puberty. Strikingly, a majority of muscle fibers was lost after the first wave of degeneration. As integrin alpha 7 has also been shown to be expressed in satellite cells, the data suggest that in the absence of integrin α7 and dystrophin muscle regeneration is impaired. Yet, the underlying mechanisms remain to be identified. The student will therefore test the hypothesis that in the absence of integrin α7 and dystrophin satellite cell activation and self-renewal is defective, applying molecular, genetic and cellular technologies.
Contact:
For informal enquiries about this position please contact Prof Ulrike Mayer at u.mayer@uea.ac.uk or the Faculty of Science Admissions Office at scipg@uea.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1603 593002.
How to apply:
An application can be downloaded from our website at http://www1.uea.ac.uk/cm/home/services/units/mac/aao/courses/PG. Completed application forms should be submitted to the Admissions Office, Faculty of Science, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ.
The deadline for receipt of completed applications is Friday 23rd May 2008.
