Capturing the Molecular Basis of Altered Learning in Schizophrenia

Project Code

MRCNMH26Ex Clifton

Project Type

Wet lab

Research Theme

Neuroscience and Mental Health

Project Summary Download

Summary

In this interdisciplinary PhD project, you will explore how memory is altered in schizophrenia by investigating the neurons activated during learning. Using cutting-edge techniques, including activity-dependent cell tagging, long-read RNA sequencing, and electrophysiology, you will profile gene expression and excitability in memory-encoding cells from mouse models carrying rare schizophrenia risk mutations. This project bridges behavioural neuroscience, molecular biology, and functional genomics, offering you the opportunity to drive your own analyses and shape experimental directions. Your work will advance understanding of how psychiatric risk genes impact memory circuits and contribute to developing targeted strategies for intervention.

Lead Supervisor

Dr Nicholas Clifton

Lead Supervisor Email

N.clifton@exeter.ac.uk

University Affiliation

Exeter