The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences at Queen Mary is one of the UK’s elite research centres, according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF). We offer a multi-disciplinary research environment and have approximately 180 PhD students working on projects in the biological and psychological sciences. Our students have access to a variety of research facilities supported by experienced staff, as well as a range of student support services.
The project is a collaboration between 2 groups: The Brennan lab consists of 5 PhD students, a PDRA and a research technician, all of whom use zebrafish as a model system to address aspects of behavioural neuroscience; The Malanchini lab (the Cognition, Development and Education Lab) consists of 4 Ph.D. students (https://www.codelab.science/).
Our PhD students become part of Queen Mary’s Doctoral College which provides training and development opportunities, advice on funding, and financial support for research. Our students also have access to a Researcher Development Programme designed to help recognise and develop key skills and attributes needed to effectively manage research, and to prepare and plan for the next stages of their career.
The project involves analysis of human genetic data to identify genes and pathways contributing to risk of bipolar disorder and impulsivity (a key aspect of a range of mental health disorders). Identified candidate genes and pathways will be tested for causality using zebrafish as an animal model.
This project examines the genetic association between hypomania/mania and impulsivity. Hypomania and mania are key components of bipolar disorder (BPD) (sometimes known as manic-depression), a complex disorder that is the second most prevalent mental health disorder worldwide (Krahn, 2011). Impulsivity is also a behavioural trait associated with bipolar disorder. Both hypomania and impulsivity are heritable characteristics and twin studies suggest that genetic factors contribute to the association between hypomania and conditions characterized by a lack of impulse control (e.g., ADHD, Hosang, 2019).
Although hypomania/mania and impulsivity may be the result of genetic pleitropy (the contribution of individual genetic variants to two or more apparently unrelated traits), we hypothesise a causal genetic association between hypomania/ mania and impulsivity, in that greater genetic liability towards impulsivity, would result in greater liability towards hypomania.
We use genetic analysis of existing human datasets to test this hypothesis and cell biological and behavioural analysis in animal models to explore the neurobiology of impulse control. First, we will conduct a genome wide association analysis of existing UK Biobank data to estimate the genetic corelation between the two phenotypes. We then conduct Mendelian Randomisation using summary statistics from published data and our own Biobank study to determine the direction of causation.
Summary statistics from these studies will be used to identify candidate genes that can be tested for causal effects on behaviour and analysis of cell biological processes using zebrafish as a model system. The result of our work has the potential to inform pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of bipolar disorder.
This studentship is open to students applying for CONACyT funding. CONACyT will provide a contribution towards your tuition fees each year and Queen Mary will waive the remaining fee. CONACyT will pay a stipend towards living costs to its scholars. Further information can be found here: https://conacyt.mx/convocatorias/convocatorias-becas-al-extranjero/
Please refer to the CONACyT website here: https://conacyt.mx/convocatorias/convocatorias-becas-al-extranjero/ for full details on eligibility and conditions on the scholarship.
Applications are invited from outstanding candidates with or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree and/or a masters degree in an area relevant to the project (biological sciences, genetics, genomics, behavioural neuroscience, psychology).
Basic understanding and experience in statistical and data analysis would be an advantage, but not essential.
Applicants from outside of the UK are required to provide evidence of their English language ability. Please see our English language requirements page for details: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/international-students/englishlanguagerequirements/postgraduateresearch/
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Caroline Brennan at c.h.brennan@qmul.ac.uk
Applicants will need to complete an online application form to be considered, including a CV, personal statement and qualifications. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the project supervisor. Those who are successful in their application for our PhD programme will be issued with an offer letter which is conditional on securing a CONACyT scholarship (as well as any academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements).
Once applicants have obtained their offer letter from Queen Mary they should then apply to CONACyT for the scholarship as per their requirements and deadlines, with the support of the project supervisor.
Only applicants who are successful in their application to CONACyT can be issued an unconditional offer and enrol on our PhD programme.
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