The University of Sheffield
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health
Department of Neuroscience
Role of transmembrane and coiled-coil domain family 2 (TMCC2) in Alzheimer’s disease.
Supervisor: Kurt De Vos
Project:
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Although most
cases of AD are sporadic, in about 1% of patients the disease is inherited as a result
of mutations in one of three genes: the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene, and
the presenilin genes PSEN1 (presenilin-1; PS1) and PSEN2 (presenilin-2; PS2).
Clinically, these familial AD cases are similar to the sporadic cases but usually with
an earlier age of onset and more aggressive disease.
While mutations in APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2 pretty much explain early onset AD, the
cause of Aß deposition in the more common sporadic late-onset AD is less clear.
Only one genetic risk factor, the E4 allele of apolipoprotein E (APOE4), has
consistently been associated with late-onset AD. The mechanism by which APOE4
increases the risk to develop AD may involve APP metabolism but the exact details
are not known.
In this project we will investigate a novel protein called transmembrane and coiledcoil domain family 2 (TMCC2) that interacts with both APOE4 and APP.
This research will involve techniques such as advanced quantitative microscopy
including time-lapse and confocal fluorescence microscopy of mitochondrial and
vesicle
dynamics
and
transport,
siRNA
technology,
western
blotting
and
recombinant DNA technology.
Entry Requirements:
Candidates must have a first or upper second class honors degree or significant
research experience.
Enquiries:
Interested
candidates
should
(k.de_vos@sheffield.ac.uk).
How to apply:
in
the
first
instance
contact
Kurt
De
Vos
Please complete a University Postgraduate Research Application form and attach at
least two references to your application. To complete the application form please
visit: www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply.
Please clearly state the prospective main supervisor in the respective box and select
‘Neuroscience’ as the department.
'The Medical School has received a Silver Athena SWAN award
for promoting gender equality’
Website: http://www.shef.ac.uk/neuroscience
Closing date: 3rd February 2014