Targeting retrosplenial cortex function to improve cognitive deficits in Parkinson’s disease

Project Description

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and is associated with a range of motor and cognitive symptoms. While dopamine replacement strategies, such as L-DOPA, effectively impact on motor impairments, much less is understood about the origin of the cognitive features and few treatment options are available to address these symptoms. We have recently shown that the retrosplenial cortex is denervated in people with Parkinson’s disease, through analysis of post-mortem brain tissues. Using preclinical models, we identified the neural circuit affected, and confirmed that this circuit supports multiple cognitive processes relevant to Parkinson’s disease. Based on these data, we hypothesise that replacement of key neurotransmitters within this region will improve cognitive function in Parkinson’s. In this project, the PhD candidate will (1) further characterise the function of this neural circuit in the healthy brain, (2) explore how this circuit changes in the diseased brain, and (3) develop treatment

strategies to restore function within this circuit in models of Parkinson’s. Treatment strategies may include gene therapies or stem cell-derived transplantation of key cell types to restore neurotransmission within the retrosplenial cortex. The student will benefit from developing a core knowledge of neuroscience (neuroanatomy, behaviour) and cell biology, as well as developing programming, wet lab, a statistical analysis skills.

Contact details for supervisor- Dr Mariah Lelos

Email –  LelosMJ@cardiff.ac.uk

Phone Number – +44 29208 75541

How to apply: 

You can apply online – consideration is automatic on applying for a PhD in Biosciences

Please use our online application service at https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/biosciences-phd-mphil-md  

Please specify that you are applying for this particular project, the supervisor and source of funding.

Information on the application process can be found here  

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying  

Academic criteria: Applicants should have obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, Applicants with a lower second class will only be considered if they also have a Master’s degree. Academic qualifications are considered alongside significant relevant non-academic experience.

English requirements: IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or equivalent. Please see our English Language Requirements guidance for more details.