Supervisors: Dr Abir Mukherjee and Dr Ali Fouladi Nashta 

Department: Comparative Biomedical Sciences

Project Details

The testicular function of spermatogenesis requires circulating hormone action as well as local regulators and a permissive niche provided by Sertoli cells. The extent of spermatogenesis in the adult is dependent on the number of Sertoli cells, which in most mammals reaches a maximum early in life and is maintained throughout life. Among the regulators of testicular development and function are the TGFb family ligands including activin¹ which is crucial for generating the cohort of Sertoli cells to serve as germ cell niche in the testis.  

FSTL3 is an endogenous inhibitor of activin expressed highly in the testis². In FSTL3 deleted mice, the testicular size is increased, and function extended beyond the normal time-scale as seen in WT mice³. Importantly there is increased number Sertoli cells in FSTL3 KO mice testis. Our new data shows that there is actually an increase in Sertoli cell proliferation in the absence of FSTL3⁴. To identify genes that are activated in a TGFb ligand-dependent manner in the testis we performed SMAD4 (transcription factor downstream of TGFb signalling) -ChIP Seq analysis using WT and FSTL3 KO testis. 

This project aims to Identify SMAD4-dependent candidate genes that are likely involved in activin-induced Sertoli cell proliferation. 

References

1. Itman C et al. 2006, Reproduction 132: 233.

2. Tortoriello DV et al. 2001, Endocrinology 142: 3426.

3. Oldknow KJ et al. 2013, Endocrinology 154: 1310.

4. Ballesteros Mejia R and Mukherjee A 2017, Endocrine Abstracts. 

Requirements

Essential:

• Must meet our standard MRes entry requirements.
• Open to all Bio-science graduates 

Desirable:

• Immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry, microscopy and tissue culture experience is desirable but not essential.

This can be taken full-time or part-time (12months FTE) project commencing in October 2024, based at RVC's Camden campus. 

Funding

Partially funded: The MRes student will be expected to meet the course fees and their living expenses. The lab will cover project costs up to £4500. However, please note that if the project costs exceed £4500, the student is expected to contribute top-up costs, to a maximum of £2000.  Please contact the supervisors for further information if required.

International applicants are welcome to apply but must be able to fund the difference between "Home" and "Overseas" tuition fees. Please note that EU/EEA and Swiss national students may no longer be eligible for the “Home” rate of tuition fees, dependent on personal circumstances (including immigration status and residence history in the UK) and UK government rules which are currently being developed. For up-to-date information on fees for EU/EEA and Swiss national students following Brexit please see our fees and funding page. 

How to Apply

For more information on the application process and English Language requirements see How to Apply.

Deadline: Sunday 14th July 2024

We welcome informal enquiries - these should be directed to Dr Abir Mukherjee (amukherjee@rvc.ac.uk)

Interview date and location: TBC