PhD studentship in the genetics of Motor Neuron Disease
An opportunity exists for a PhD studentship sited jointly in the TCD Smurfit Insitute of Genetics and the Trinity Institute of Neuroscience.
This will investigate the genetic factors underlying Motor neuron disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,ALS) a progressive neurological disorder involving degeneration of motor neurons.
Motor Neuron Disease
Motor neuron disease (MND), strikes people in the prime of their lives and leads to paralysis and death often within three to five years. There is no known cure and it is estimated that there are 250 people diagnosed with MND in Ireland at any given time.
The research project
This work follows from successful research where a genome-wide association study taking advantage of the particular population structure within Ireland highlighted candidate genes for this disorder (Cronin et al 2008). Future work will involve detailed genetic investigation of these genes, further genome-wide association analysis and will use emerging new high throughput sequencing technologies. There is also scope to contribute to understanding origins and underlying genetic structure of Ireland.
Supervisors
Co supervisors: Prof Orla Hardiman, Institute of Neuroscience and Prof Dan Bradley, Smurfit Institute of Genetics. Funding for a four year programme will be available to a suitable candidate.
Reference
Cronin S, Berger S, Ding J, Schymick JC, Washecka N, Hernandez DG, Greenway MJ, Bradley DG, Traynor BJ, Hardiman O.
A genome-wide association study of sporadic ALS in a homogenous Irish population. Human Molecular Genetics 2008 17:768-74.
For further information contact orla@hardiman.net
