Determination of the nature and role of the M1 and M4-muscarinic acetylcholine receptor network in regulating neuro-physiology

This PhD programme aims to address a major barrier in the development of novel treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Activators of the muscarinic family of G protein-coupled receptors are validated as potential treatments for memory loss in AD.

The barrier however to successful drug development is a lack of fundamental understanding of the neuronal networks associated with two of the muscarinic receptor-subtypes, namely M1- and M4-receptors - receptors that underpin learning and memory in humans.

By unravelling the complexity of the M1/M4-receptor neuronal networks and defining clinically relevant neurological behaviours associated with these networks this project plans to unlock the full therapeutic potential of these receptors.

Building from landmark papers published in journals such as Cell the principal investigator (Tobin, University of Glasgow) has teamed with experts in neuropharmacology (Milligan, University of Glasgow) and advanced imaging (McConnell, University of Strathclyde) to develop a PhD programme that will use novel genetically engineered mice to define the role of M1/M4-receptors in learning and memory.

Working in the Advance Research Centre, a £130M new build in the heart of Glasgow, the student will have excellent training in neurological behaviours, neuroimaging and advanced microscopy as well as access to an extensive transferable skills programme.