An investigating into the effect of acute and chronic KATP channel modulation on membrane conductance and cellular metabolism

The work in this doctoral project will be based around functional assessments of neural cells derived from inducible pluripotent stem cell sources. The major methods of assessment will involve multiple aspects of single cell patch clamp electrophysiology. This will be supported with additional work using multielectrode arrays and real time cellular imaging. The project will investigate neurons grown both in monolayer cultures and in novel 3D cultures based on peptide hydrogels. There will also be opportunities to become involved in mathematically modelling neuronal properties based on the data gathered. We will provide full training in all the cell culture and neurophysiological methods required. Understandings of the mechanisms underpinning excitability of single neurones will be based on pharmacological interventions and where appropriate molecular methods. Working with AstraZeneca neuroscientists we will also investigate how human neuronal excitability is modified by selected druggable targets from within their discovery portfolio.