PhD SCHOLARSHIP – INSTITUTE FOR MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
A PhD scholarship is available in Professor Alpha Yap’s laboratory at the Institute of Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, to study early warning mechanisms for epithelial self-protection. This project aims to discover how epithelial tissues in the body protect themselves against cell injury and cancerous transformation through the early detection and elimination of abnormal cells. Epithelia are found in major organs, such as the lung, breast and gastrointestinal tract – tissues that are common sources of major diseases, such as inflammation and cancer. The Yap group has pioneered work to understand how mechanical forces are detected as early warnings of cellular dysfunction in epithelia. Conversely, we have found that abnormal tissue mechanics may increase the susceptibility of epithelial tissues to disease. We aim to understand how mechanical signals are detected, how they may be disturbed, and whether correcting mechanics can improve disease outcomes. We work at the interface between experimental biology and theoretical physics. Projects can be tailored to student’s interests, but will give experience in experimental cell biology and physical theory.
Applications
https://graduate-school.uq.edu.au/project/early-warning-mechanisms-epithelial-tissue-self-protection
Professor Alpha Yap
ASBMB Membership Office
T +61 (03) 9907 8648
E asbmb@wsm.com.au
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