Potential research projects

A variety of research projects (both PhD and postdoctoral level) are
possible, depending on the interests and expertise of candidates interested in
working in the lab. Possible topics include:


- Role of HS in Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor signalling (studies of
structures of HS binding sites for FGFs and their receptors, mechanisms for
regulation of tyrosine kinase signalling, modulation of FGFR specificity for
different FGF ligands).

- Regulation of biosynthesis of HS structure (studies to determine the extent to
which HS structure is modulated by the responses of cells to external stimuli
such as growth factors).

- Structural polymorphisms of HS (studies directed at assessing the diversity of
structural characteristics of HS, particularly from neural cells and tissues, and
investigating their possible functional roles).

- Development of methods for sequencing HS saccharides and investigating
HS-protein interactions

- Structure and function of HS in the nematode model, C elegans. HS
biosynthetic enzymes in C elegans (especially sulphotransferases).

- Expression patterns of HSPGs during brain and nerve regeneration (studies
aimed at elucidating the changes in expression of HSPGs in models of
wounding, and how they relate to the role of HSPGs in repair mechanisms).

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