The role of dysfunctional mitochondria in cholinergic neuronal degeneration during aging

Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) are particularly susceptible to neurodegeneration in aging and after hypoxia and traumatic brain injury, which are risk factors for dementia. BFCN loss also directly underpins cognitive decline. Why these neurons are so susceptible to dying is unclear. Because their axonal arbours are some of the largest in the brain, they are highly metabolically active. Thus, they could be particularly vulnerable to mitochondrial damage and failed repair. This project will test whether mitochondrial damage can cause or exacerbate BFCN degeneration in aging and disease conditions by using transgenic gene manipulation of mitochondria and its DNA in induced human BFCNs in culture and in animal experiments. Mitochondrial repair mechanisms will also be tested to see if neurodegeneration can be slowed or rescued in Alzheimer’s disease-like conditions.

This scholarship is part of the MIND-AD CRE Scholarship program which will support three students across its advertised projects. Applicants will be required to submit an online application and attend an interview.

This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered
• single overseas student health cover (OSHC).

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history

A working knowledge of primary cell culture and histology, biochemistry or animal surgery would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 2, 2026. You can start in an earlier research quarter.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by the closing date for the research quarter (RQ) you want to start in:

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Professor Elizabeth Coulson (e.coulson@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the 'Scholarship/Sponsorship' section with the following details:

1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
2. Project: 'Fellowship project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: COULSON-110725
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/role-dysfunctional-mitochondria-cholinergic-neuronal-degeneration-during-aging

Submit an EOI