The role of chaperone networks in skin ageing

In an on-going collaboration with P&G, we have identified a key "quality control" pathway that is altered in the response of human facial skin to ageing. The aim of this project is to characterise this novel regulatory response to stress and ageing in skin fibroblasts and to evaluate materials that target this network to improve the quality of the extra-cellular matrix. We will examine how the expression and biological activity of key "quality control" genes is differentially regulated in the skin, to understand how specific cell types in the organ (e.g. keratinocytes and fibroblasts) respond to ageing and environmental stresses. Improved understanding of these processes will lead to the establishment of novel mechanisms that will in turn lead to new products to ameliorate stress and ageing.
Methodology and Training:
The studentship will involve training in a number of laboratory methods including mammalian cell culture (2D and 3D), SDS-PAGE and western blotting, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, live cell imaging, proteomics, transcriptomic/pathway analysis, ECM assays, biochemical assays, PCR and molecular biology. The student will also be trained in IT, presentational skills, poster making and report writing; will be encouraged to attend and present at national and international meetings; and will be required to participate in our laboratories fortnightly journal club.