MRC PhD Studentship - Skin Environmental Interactions Group, School of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences

Applications are invited for a studentship to study the role of NFAT5 in regulating barrier function of skin in response to adverse environmental stimuli and in inflammatory skin disease. We have recently identified that the calcineurin/NFAT signalling pathway, that is inhibited by ciclosporin and tacrolimus, is expressed and functionally active in human keratinocytes (Al-Daraji et al, J Invest Dermatol, 2002; 118: 779-788). NFAT5/TonEBP is a member of the rel/NFkB/NFAT family of transcription factors and is activated in response to hypertonicity. This project will investigate the activation of NFAT5 in human keratinocytes by environmental stress responses including hyperosmolarity, ulraviolet radiation, and wounding. It will involve a range of molecular, cell and organ culture, and imaging techniques. There will be particular emphasis on the study of GFP-tagged signalling molecules and real time imaging using confocal microscopy.

The successful candidate will join an enthusiastic multi-disciplinary research group within the School of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences that was graded 5*/5 in the 2001 RAE. The project will be supervised by Prof. Nick J. Reynolds and Dr. Trevor Jackson. Our laboratories within the Medical School are modern and well equipped with a dedicated imaging/confocal unit.

Applicants should be highly motivated and have or expect to obtain a first or 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant science subject. Informal enquiries or applications comprising a covering letter, full curriculum vitae and list of two referees should be directed to:
Prof. Nick J. Reynolds
Dermatological Sciences
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
William Leech Building, Medical School
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 4HH
Telephone: 0191 222 8936
E-mail n.j.reynolds@ncl.ac.uk

Applications will be accepted until post is filled.

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