Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Bristol
This research will be undertaken in close collaboration with the Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, and the School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen.
Project title: Angiogenic mechanisms underlying seasonal adaptation to a changing environment.
Duration: 36 months.
Salary: Grade J, £36,613 / £41212 per year.
Funding body: BBSRC
Project summary
We have recently shown that a mechanism regulating angiogenesis within the pituitary gland participates in the seasonal adjustment of photoperiodic species to a changing environment by: a) controlling the remodelling of the pituitary microvasculature; and b) acting as messenger signals from the melatonin sensitive pars tuberalis (PT) to the endocrine cells of the pars distalis involved in the regulation of seasonal fertility. Here we will investigate whether this is a conserved system of adaptation, operating in species that reproduce at different times of the year, and examine the intra- and inter-cellular pathways underlying this process. It is well established that the pattern of melatonin secretion from the pineal gland decodes day length information through a direct action in the PT. The overall hypothesis of this project is that differential expression of VEGF-A isoforms within the pituitary participate in the melatonin signal readout to translate photoperiodic cues into an annual physiological response. We will investigate melatonin-induced VEGF-A alternative splicing and assess the implication of clock genes in the VEGF-A regulation of seasonal physiology using whole animal systems and in vitro strategies.
Profile
Candidates must hold a PhD or equivalent in Neuroendocrinology, Chronobiology, Angiogenesis, or Physiology. The successful candidate must possess outstanding experimental and laboratory skills relevant to this role, as well as demonstrable success in in vivo work, tissue culture and data management. Practical experience in the use of research methodologies and techniques in molecular biology are essential for this post.
Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Domingo Tortonese (d.tortonese@bristol.ac.uk), Professor David Bates (david.bates@nottingham.ac.uk) or Dr Tyler Stevenson (tyler.stevenson@abdn.ac.uk)
Application
Submit your CV, a cover letter describing your research interest and the names and contact details of three references to Dr Domingo Tortonese (d.tortonese@bristol.ac.uk). Closing date: 30 September 2018.
