Via www.jobs.ac.uk. Due to start in September/October 2009, this project will be supervised by Prof Julian Davis (University of Manchester) and Prof Mike White (University of Liverpool). The pituitary gland displays plasticity in both structure and function, responding to both short-term hormonal changes such as acute stress as well as to longer term adaptations such as growth and puberty, and pregnancy, when the population of lactotrophic cells expands and contracts several-fold. Longer term ‘trophic' changes are relevant to understanding of pituitary hyperplasia and adenoma formation, and little is known about this process. We have developed transgenic Fischer-344 rats in which the prolactin gene locus directs expression of destabilised EGFP in lactotrophic cells. Using these animals we have established a model for oestrogen induction of pituitary hyperplasia, and in the longer term these animals are susceptible to adenoma formation. In this project, the student will carry out an evaluation of the role of intercellular architectural relationships, and lactotroph network structure, on the spatio-temporal patterning of gene expression in individual living cells in the pituitary. We aim to answer questions about the tissue-wide organisation of gene transcriptional response and responses to different schedules of oestrogen administration. In particular, does transient neonatal oestrogen exposure result in long-term programming of a change in structure or transcriptional function of lactotroph cells in such a network? Applications are encouraged from students with a background in gene expression, pharmacology, physiology or another related subject. For further information and details of how to apply for this post, please click on the link below.

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