Deciphering how GSK-3B activity is coordinated in time and space to control neuronal development

Neuronal axons are the long, cable-like structures that wire our brains and bodies. Their development and maintenance must be precisely controlled by extracellular signals. Once formed, those delicate structures must be maintained for our lifetime.

Therefore, how extracellular stimuli control and maintain neurons is a fundamental question in cell biology, with important implications for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. GSK-3B is a master regulator integrating nutritional, developmental and disease status into cellular responses. Overactive GSK-3B is linked to various neurological disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases (e.g.

Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or autism.

We recently made the important discovery that GSK-3B activity needs to be precisely balanced during neuronal development, but where and when is not known.

Using novel molecular tools, advanced imaging approaches and Drosophila primary neurons, you will explore, for the first time, the spatio-temporal dynamics of GSK-3B activity and how this coordinates neuronal development and maintenance.

The project will be hosted in the Department of Biology within the cutting-edge facilities and thriving research environment of the York Biomedical Research Institute. It is a collaboration between Dr Ines Hahn and Dr Peter O'Toole.

You will receive training in cutting-edge imaging approaches including FRET and live imaging, molecular genetics, primary neuronal cell culture, biochemistry as well as all aspects of Drosophila husbandry.