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Job Title: Development of Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers
Vacancy Reference Number: Link
Closing Date: 16 Dec 2024
Salary: PhD stipend at UKRI rate
Duration: 4 years
Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), Down’s syndrome, autosomal recessive intellectual disability (AR-ID) or stress due to early maternal separation and isolation are of global concern and have a huge impact on health care. Despite having a good understanding of the underlying genetic and epigenetic/environmental factors associated with these conditions, an early and accurate diagnosis remains a challenge due to a multitude of factors including delayed monitoring due to late appearance of clinical features than neural changes, subjective neuro-psychological and developmental growth parameters as well as lack of properly validated models.
This multi-institutional Dual PhD project between the University of Liverpool and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India, aims to address this problem by developing quantitative magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopic imaging biomarkers to assess abnormalities in neural function and metabolism in well-established preclinical models. Specifically, the project will initially develop and validate longitudinal diffusion tensor tractography and MR spectroscopy in a Trappc9 knockout model of intellectual disability, which demonstrates microcephaly and learning disabilities.
Objectives/Experimental Approach:
1. Determine whether neurotransmitter levels, specifically, GABA and glutamate levels are altered in the experimental models compared to wild type controls. Imaging studies will be performed at different ages to assess when these changes occur and if they are sustained over the life course.
2. Evaluate the efficacy of diffusion tractography to evaluate changes in the white matter connectivity in the experimental and control animals.
3. Correlate quantitative imaging and spectroscopic findings with behaviour analysis and immunohistochemistry to better understand the neural connectivity patterns and metabolic mechanisms underpinning the neurodevelopmental and behavioural abnormalities observed in these models.
Further Information
For more details, please see: Link
Contact Details
Prof. Harish Poptani: harishp@liverpool.ac.uk
Dr. Antonius Plagge: plagge@liverpool.ac.uk
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