Nick Monk
Professor N. A. M. Monk
School of Mathematics and Statistics
and Centre for Membrane Interactions and Dynamics
University of Sheffield
Hicks Building
Sheffield
S3 7RH
UK
Tel: +44 114 222 3857
Email: n.monk@sheffield.ac.uk
The research in my group uses theoretical and mathematical modelling to gain insight into basic mechanisms of cellular signalling networks in animal and plant tissues.
Ph.D. opportunities
Mathematics is playing an increasingly important role in biology at all levels --- from the development of new medical treatments to improving crop yields. In this project, you will develop and analyse mathematical models to explore dynamical processes in living systems. A range of possible projects is available to suit individual interests and skills. Projects will typically involve a combination of analytical and computational approaches.
Two interdisciplinary PhD projects are available as part of the newly established Centre for Membrane Interactions and Dynamics (CMIAD).
1. Modelling protein interactions in planar cell polarity [with Prof. David Strutt (Biomedical Science)]
Planar cell polarity (PCP)-the polarisation of cells within the plane of an epithelial sheet-plays important and widespread roles in development and physiology. Genetic and biochemical studies have mapped out a core network of interacting proteins which become distributed asymmetrically in the cell membrane during the process of planar polarisation. However, the nature of the interactions between the proteins, and how these lead to polarised distributions within cells is still poorly understood. The aim of this project is to combine a detailed description of the behaviour of the PCP proteins, obtained using state-of-the-art molecular genetics and imaging techniques, with established mathematical modelling approaches, to further our understanding of PCP. In particular, we will address the central theoretical question of how individual cells coordinate the polarity information they receive from different sources in a tissue.
2. Modelling Tie2 endocytosis and signalling [with Prof. Liz Smythe (Biomedical Science)]
The growth and maintenance of a healthy vasculature depends on a complex interplay of signals by a range of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) including Tie2. Tie2 is expressed in endothelial cells where it is essential for vasculogenesis and maintenance of blood vessel integrity in the adult vasculature. Activation of Tie2 by its ligand, Ang1, results in a plethora of downstream signals leading to outcomes such as cell motility, proliferation and survival and a key question is how Ang1 elicits different outcomes depending on cellular context. A key question is how Ang1 is able to elicit these multiple effects and how individual outputs are regulated in a physiological context. Possible mechanisms include differential sensitivity to different ligand concentrations and regulation of signaling via the endocytic pathway. The aim of this project is to develop mathematical models to represent how endocytic flux and subcellular compartmentalization regulate Tie2 signaling.
Both projects would be suitable for a student with a strong quantitative background (e.g. mathematics, physics, engineering or computer science) who is keen to apply their skills to a biological problem with potentially significant translational importance. While the bulk of the data will already be available, we expect the student to gain valuable laboratory experience, particularly in imaging (confocal microscopy) and image analysis. For further information, see https://sheffield.ac.uk/bms/prospective_pg/phd/cmiad/index
Vacancies
You will be an enthusiastic and motivated individual who is keen to apply their skills to problems in biology. You should have or expect to obtain a 1st or upper second class degree in a relevant quantitative discipline (such as mathematics, physics or engineering). Specific biological knowledge is not required.
Last Updated: 30 January 2012
Copyright © 2012, The University of Sheffield.