ESR 5: Artificial lipid membranes to study GPVI receptor clustering and signalling

Host: The University of Reading, UK

Supervisory team: Alice Pollitt and Jon Gibbins (University of Reading UK), Helma Rutjes (Pivot Park Screening Centre, Netherlands) and Ángel Garcia (University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

Project locations: University of Reading (Year 1 and 3); University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain (Year 2 and 3); PPSC (2 month secondment during Year 2)

Joint PhD Degree: University of Reading and University of Santiago de Compostela

Project details: This project will develop a reconstituted artificial lipid membrane platform as an innovative approach to test and validate signal manipulation of GPVI intracellular macromolecular assembly and regulation.  Receptor signalling components reconstituted on artificial lipid membranes will enable the dynamics of macromolecular assembly to be measured and the molecular behaviour of signalling components to be studied in ways that cannot be achieved using intact platelets.  Advanced microscopy such as single molecule tracking and super resolution microscopy will visualise signalling complex assembly in real time and quantify macromolecular assembly size and density.  Experience in the development of molecule screening platforms will be gained at the Pivot Park Screening Centre, the Netherlands during a two month secondment and the platform will be validated using biologics and small molecules during the time at the University of Santiago de Compostela.

Desirable student skills: Biochemistry, Protein chemist, Chemical engineer

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