The Ronald Miller Scholarship
Characterisation of superoxide dismutase1 (SOD1) in degenerative myelopathy in the dog
Funding Body: The Ronald Miller Scholarship.
Supervisors: Dr Mark McLaughlin (PI), Prof. T. James Anderson, Dr Paul Montague.
Background: Degenerative myelopathy (DM) of dogs is strongly associated with a point mutation in the Sod1 gene encoding the enzyme superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). SOD1 mutations are also associated with the inherited human motor neuron disease, familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS). It has been proposed that these mutated SOD1 proteins acquire a cellular toxicity involving protein aggregate formation, altered SOD1 cellular distribution, aberrant SOD1 association with mitochondria and altered SOD1 enzymatic activity. The impact of the Sod1 mutation in DM on the properties and consequent function of SOD1 protein is currently unknown. This project will conduct a biochemical and histological study of archive CNS material from DM to assess the behaviour of the mutated SOD1. In addition we will examine the expression of the wild type and mutant cDNA forms in transfected neuronal cells.
Stipend: £12,500 per annum.
Duration: 15 months.
Applicant: Preferably should have an upper second class BSc or equivalent in a relevant biological science.
Deadline: 26th October 2012
Location: Applied Neurobiology Group, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of MVLS, Garscube Estate,Glasgow.
Contact: Mark.McLaughlin@glasgow.ac.uk
This scholarship is available to UK/EU applicants, please apply here