*****JOB ALERT****

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The Laboratory of Brain and Sleep Research is offering 2 PhD positions in the national PhD program “theoretical and applied neuroscience” for 2 projects entitled :

 

1) Mapping the interplay between adolescent sleep loss and alcohol abuse at molecular, circuit, and behavioral level

 

Project description

The research project seeks to understand the intricate relationship between chronic sleep restriction (CSR), alcohol consumption, and synaptic connectivity in the adolescent brain, particularly focusing on the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and connected brain regions. Epidemiological evidence suggests a bidirectional link between sleep problems and alcohol use disorders (AUD), yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Utilizing a preclinical model, the project aims to elucidate the impact of adolescent CSR and alcohol drinking on synaptic connectivity, mPFC circuit function, and behavior. Through advanced techniques such as in vivo calcium imaging, optogenetic modulation, 3d electron microscopy and single nuclei transcriptomics, the study will investigate the effects of CSR and alcohol consumption on mPFC connectivity and synaptic refinement. Additionally, the project aims to explore novel therapeutic strategies to reverse the morphological, functional, and behavioral alterations associated with adolescent CSR and alcohol drinking. The research offers a unique opportunity for a PhD student to contribute to cutting-edge neuroscience research and advance our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying AUD. Candidates with a background in neuroscience, biology, pharmacy, physics are encouraged to apply. The position promises to provide valuable insights into addiction and sleep research while offering a collaborative and dynamic research environment.

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Preferred Research Skills and Competences
The ideal candidate has a genuine interest for neuroscience and sleep research, a proactive attitude in studying relevant literature, formulate plausible hypothesis and experiments to test them. Self-motivation and ability to work both alone and in team are essential characteristics. Background in neurophysiology is desirable. An interest in assembling circuits and other electronic components (e.g. Arduino), and basic knowledge of Matlab or Python could be of advantage.

 

TO APPLY: https://www.unicam.it/bandi/2024/bando-n0046958-del-28062024
 

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2) The role of the orexin neuropeptide system in the disease manifestation of multiple sclerosis: exploring the therapeutic potential of pharmacological interventions in animal models

 

Project description

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects nearly 2.5 million people globally, causing nerve damage in the brain and spinal cord and impairing the protective myelin sheath. This leads to disabilities such as fatigue, depression, and cognitive issues, significantly impacting employment and quality of life. A significant contributor to these symptoms is the lack of restorative sleep. Chronic sleep insufficiency, affecting up to 50% of people with MS, is linked to impaired myelination, increased brain inflammation, and altered immune response. MS can damage brain regions involved in regulating sleep and wakefulness, such as the orexinergic neurons in the hypothalamus, contributing to sleep disturbances. Preclinical research using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model suggests that orexins can mitigate inflammation and slow disease progression. Additionally, modafinil, a stimulant, is often used off-label to help MS patients manage fatigue. Therefore, the orexin system could represent a crucial pharmacological target to alleviate night-related sleep disturbances and counteract day-related fatigue and inflammation.

This project aims to explore the dual modulation of the orexin system in preclinical MS models: the cuprizone mouse model and EAE. By administering dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) during sleep, we will investigate their effects on sleep improvement, remyelination, and well-being. During waking, orexin agonists will be tested for their potential to reduce inflammation, disease progression, and fatigue symptoms.

Our approach involves behavioral, electrophysiological, morphological, and molecular analyses to understand the mechanisms by which improved sleep can promote remyelination and modulate immune responses. Additionally, we will assess how stimulating the orexin system during the day can impact inflammation, disease progression, and fatigue. This research could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for MS by targeting sleep disturbances and utilizing orexin-based treatments.

This research project will be carried out in collaboration with Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Basel, Switzerland) where the PhD student will have the opportunity to spend 12 months to carry out part of the project. The remaining time will be spent at the Brain and Sleep Research Laboratory of the University of Camerino (Italy).

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Preferred Research Skills and Competences
The ideal candidate has a genuine passion for neuroscience and sleep research, a proactive attitude in studying relevant literature, formulate plausible hypothesis and experiments to test them. Self-motivation, curiosity, and ability to work both alone and in team are essential characteristics. Background in neurophysiology, interest in learning microscopy techniques, basic knowledge of Python or Matlab, and a propensity to care for details are desirable.
The doctoral candidate will receive training in histology, in vivo and ex vivo imaging (light and electron microscopy), electrophysiology in vivo, behavioural testing, molecular biology, and data analysis. Pharmacological, chemogenetic and optogenetic approaches will be also experienced.
 

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TO APPLY: https://www.unicam.it/bandi/2024/bando-n0046958-del-28062024

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We always welcome applications from motivated, skilled and team-oriented people for Master, PhD and Postdoctoral positions. If you are interested in joining the Brain and Sleep Research Laboratory, please send your CV and cover letter to Michele Bellesi or Luisa de Vivo