Metadata
Title
Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z
Category
graduate
UUID
78912d13ed824e2a819a866a49492cd9
Source URL
https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/moleculargenetics/
Parent URL
https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/
Crawl Time
2026-03-11T05:56:43+00:00
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Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z

Source: https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/moleculargenetics/ Parent: https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/

Postgraduate research

Molecular Genetics PhD/MSc (Research)

Our research lies at the interface of organismal, functional and systems biology. Our principal investigators are internationally-recognised for their research on insect functional genomics, mechanism and application of DNA-rearranging enzymes, the translational genetics of myotonic dystrophy and related unstable DNA disorders and systems biology including ‘omics analysis and computational frameworks.

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Research projects

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The role of peripheral glial cytoplasmic mRNA localisation regulating synaptic plasticity of adjacent neurones in health and disease

Supervisor:Ilan Davis

Project description: Synaptic plasticity is the key molecular process that regulates memory and learning. Plasticity requires mRNA localisation and translational regulation at the periphery of glial and neuronal cytoplasmic projections, where new proteins have to be synthesised rapidly in response to locale signals and electrical stimulation. We have recently uncovered numerous new localised glial mRNAs transcripts that encode many kinds of molecular processes from cytoskeletal regulation to membrane trafficking and translational regulation. Our bioinformatics analysis reveals that these localised transcripts have a high statistical association with a number of important neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. These findings suggest an exciting hypothesis that will be tested by the proposed PhD project.

Namely, that many synaptic plasticity defects associated with these devastated diseases, assumed to be neuronal in origin, may in fact originate from molecular localisation defects in glia that contact the synapses. The project will use precision genetics methods in the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction, a well establish model system for uncovering the basic molecular mechanisms that go wrong in human neurodegenerative diseases, on account of the high degree of conservation of the underlying molecular machinery. We will interfere with gene function in specific glial subtypes or motor-neurones and compare their phenotypic outcome in relation to diseases using super resolution microscopy and single molecule imaging. Later in the PhD we will map the transacting proteins and signals required for localising the more interesting of these mRNAs and relate these molecular mechanisms to known aspects of neurodegenerative diseases.

Techniques: Molecular and cellular genetics. Advanced microscopy methods such as super-resolution and single molecule imaging. RNA biochemistry. RNA Bioinformatics. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation and Spatial Biology

References:

  1. Lee JY, Gala DS, Kiourlappou M, Titlow JS, Teodoro RO & Davis I. (2024). Mammalian glial protrusion transcriptomes predict localization of Drosophila glial transcripts required for synaptic plasticity. Journal of Cell Biology, under revision. DOI: 10.1101/2022.11.30.518536
  2. Titlow JS, et al, & Davis I. (2023). Systematic analysis of YFP traps reveals common mRNA/protein discordance in neural tissues. Journal of Cell Biology 5: 222. DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202205129
  3. Titlow J, Robertson F, Järvelin A, Ish-Horowicz D, Smith C, Gratton E, Davis I. (2020). Syncrip/hnRNPQ is required for activity-induced Msp300/Nesprin expression and new synapse formation. Journal of Cell Biology, 219, 1-17. DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201903135
  4. Gala DS, Titlow JS, Teodoro RO, Davis I. (2023) Far from home: the role of glial mRNA localization in synaptic plasticity. RNA 29:153-169. DOI: 10.1261/rna.079422.122

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Decoding Temporal Windows for Mitochondrial Intervention Across Species Using Data-Driven Approaches

Supervisor:Alberto Sanz

Project description:

Mutations in genes encoding mitochondrial OXPHOS components often cause devastating diseases. Paradoxically, lifespan can be extended in worms, flies, and mice by partially impairing mitochondrial function. Why this occurs remains poorly understood. The Sanz laboratory has revealed that the timing of mitochondrial dysfunction is critical—similar interventions produce opposing outcomes depending on when they are applied. This project aims to systematically identify conserved patterns that explain this temporal dependency.

We will analyse RNAseq and proteomics datasets from Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Mus musculus, and Homo sapiens, comparing short- and long-lived species. We will assess mRNA and protein expression across tissues and developmental stages, quantifying correlations between transcript and protein levels. Using machine learning, we will identify conserved expression profiles that predict lifespan outcomes.

Guided by these insights, we will use state-of-the-art genome editing in Drosophila to modulate mitochondrial function with spatiotemporal precision, targeting specific tissues and developmental windows to generate new long-lived flies.

By uncovering the timing and location rules that govern mitochondrial influence on longevity, this work will establish a foundation for future interventions to extend human healthspan.

Techniques:

References:

  1. Developmental mitochondrial complex I activity determines lifespan. Stefanatos R, Robertson F, Castejon-Vega B, Yu Y, Uribe AH, Myers K, Kataura T, Korolchuk VI, Maddocks ODK, Martins LM, Sanz A. EMBO Rep. 2025 Apr;26(8):1957-1983
  2. NLRP1 inflammasome promotes senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Muela-Zarzuela I, Suarez-Rivero JM, Gallardo-Orihuela A, Wang C, Izawa K, de Gregorio-Procopio M, Couillin I, Ryffel B, Kitaura J, Sanz A, von Zglinicki T, Mbalaviele G, Cordero MD. Inflamm Res. 2024 Aug;73(8):1253-1266.
  3. Autophagy promotes cell survival by maintaining NAD levels.\ Kataura T, Sedlackova L, Otten EG, Kumari R, Shapira D, Scialo F, Stefanatos R, Ishikawa KI, Kelly G, Seranova E, Sun C, Maetzel D, Kenneth N, Trushin S, Zhang T, Trushina E, Bascom CC, Tasseff R, Isfort RJ, Oblong JE, Miwa S, Lazarou M, Jaenisch R, Imoto M, Saiki S, Papamichos-Chronakis M, Manjithaya R, Maddocks ODK, Sanz A, Sarkar S, Korolchuk VI.\ Dev Cell. 2022 Nov 21;57(22):2584-2598.e11.
  4. Mitochondrial ROS signalling requires uninterrupted electron flow and is lost during ageing in flies. Graham C, Stefanatos R, Yek AEH, Spriggs RV, Loh SHY, Uribe AH, Zhang T, Martins LM, Maddocks ODK, Scialo F, Sanz A. Geroscience. 2022 Aug;44(4):1961-1974.
  5. Mitochondrial complex I derived ROS regulate stress adaptation in Drosophila melanogaster. Scialò F, Sriram A, Stefanatos R, Spriggs RV, Loh SHY, Martins LM, Sanz A.Redox Biol. 2020 May;32:101450.

Overview

Our staff have leading expertise and funding in human and model organism research including Drososophila melanogaster and microbes; as well as ‘omics - genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics. They utilise a multi-disciplinary approach within the School of Molecular Biosciences with core links to Glasgow Polyomics; and have good external links with industry. Research in molecular genetics has strong alignment with the broad areas of agriculture and food security; bioscience for health; and industrial biotechnology and bioenergy.

Research topics are allied to ongoing research within the School. Projects can be related to either fundamental or translational science including clinical science and sustainable agriculture. Multi-disciplinary research approaches applied within the molecular genetics research programme include molecular genetics (human, Drosophila and microbial genetics), biochemistry, molecular biology, systems biology, ‘omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), bioinformatics and synthetic biology, as well as cellular imaging of biological functions using advanced technology. Specific areas of interest include:

Our PhD programme provides excellent training in cutting edge technologies that will be applicable to career prospects in both academia and industry. Many of our PhD graduates go on to research positions in academia, as well as to industry, and to policy and government organisations.

We have strong research connections with international collaborators. Funds are available through the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences to allow visits to international laboratories where part of your project can be carried out. This provides an excellent opportunity for networking and increasing the scientific knowledge and skill set of our PhD students.

Study options

PhD

Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators.

MSc (Research)

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent.

English language requirements

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme

TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)

Tests taken up to 20 January 2026

Tests taken from 21 January 2026

Pearsons PTE Academic

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

Oxford ELLT

LanguageCert Academic SELT

Password Skills Plus

Trinity College Tests

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Alternatives to English Language qualification

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:

For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:

We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:

Fees and funding

Fees

2026/27

Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee.

Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.

Alumni discount

We offer a 20% discount to our alumni on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed a Study Abroad programme, Exchange programme, International Summer School or Erasmus programme with us. This discount can be awarded alongside most University scholarships. No additional application is required.

Possible additional fees

Depending on the nature of the research project, some students will be expected to pay a bench fee (also known as research support costs) to cover additional costs. The exact amount will be provided in the offer letter.

Sanctuary Scholarship

The University of Glasgow Sanctuary Scholarship has been created to support applicants with Refugee or Asylum Seeker status who are currently living in the UK.

Support

The College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Graduate School provides a vibrant, supportive and stimulating environment for all our postgraduate students. We aim to provide excellent support for our postgraduates through dedicated postgraduate convenors, highly trained supervisors and pastoral support for each student.\  \ Our overarching aim is to provide a research training environment that includes:

How to apply

Identify potential supervisors

All Postgraduate Research Students are allocated a supervisor who will act as the main source of academic support and research mentoring. You may want to identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. Please note, even if you have spoken to an academic staff member about your proposal you still need to submit an online application form.

You can find relevant academic staff members with our staff research interests search.

Research projects

If you are interested in a research project listed above, please include the title on your application.

Gather your documents

Before applying please make sure you gather the following supporting documentation:

  1. Final or current degree transcripts including grades (and an official translation, if needed) – scanned copy in colour of the original document.
  2. Degree certificates (and an official translation, if needed): scanned copy in colour of the original document.
  3. Two references on headed paper and signed by the referee. One must be academic, the other can be academic or professional. References may be uploadedas part of the application form or you may enter your referees' contact details on the application form. We will then email your referee and notify you when we receive the reference.
  4. MVLS cover letter must be completed and uploaded with a copy of your CV.

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Contact us

If you require assistance before you apply: mvls-gradschool@glasgow.ac.uk

After you have submitted your application: Admissions Enquiries form

Our research environment

Induction

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