Gaining Control of Intracellular Stages for Amyloidogenesis via High-Resolution Optical Biosensing Approaches coupled to Nanobody-Based Protein Localisation Control

Summary

The project focuses on the intracellular stages of amyloidogenesis, aiming to unravel the complex mechanisms contributing to diseases such as Alzheimer's. Using ultrahigh-resolution live microscopy to monitor the amyloid precursors’ proteins species with a sub-organelle resolution, the project will shed light on the proteins’ fate as it moves through the secretory organelles.

This research also relies on nanobody-based techniques developed in our lab for localisation control of amyloid precursors and utilises iPS-derived neuronal systems as models.

Project aims

The project's core questions include understanding how the amyloid precursor protein is handled and processed in each organelle of the secretory pathway, discerning how they contribute to toxicity, and thus developing nimble therapeutics to reduce protein aggregation.

Contact details

Edward Avezov (ea347@medschl.cam.ac.uk) – UK Dementia Research Institute  

Opportunities

The opportunity offers hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools, collaboration with leading experts, development of purpose-driven biosensing tech and a stimulating and supportive research environment.

This project is open to applicants who want to do a:

• PhD
• MPhil