Understanding and Improving Brain Waste Clearance in Ageing and Disorders

The brain is a highly energetic organ which requires efficient clearance of metabolic wastes. Recent studies have identified a fluid drainage pathway, called the glymphatic system, that clears brain waste during sleep. Disruption of this clearance pathway has been associated with ageing and various neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Improving brain waste clearance could provide a new way for maintaining brain health and for preventing or treating disorders. This project aims to identify the biological pathways that regulate the glymphatic system and develop non-invasive imaging to detect its function. We are conducting research in both animal models and humans to facilitate the discovery and translation of novel target and technology in order to improve brain health. 
This PhD project will focus on identifying cell types and receptors that control glymphatic system using genetic tools, such as optogenetics, and transgenic animals. The interventional target will be tested in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease for reducing neuropathology (eg, amyloid plaques) and improving brain function. Advanced imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), will be used to track glymphatic function and treatment effect. 
 

The Chuang lab has established cutting-edge techniques for brain imaging and genetic tools for manipulating brain function. You will learn advanced imaging and analytical techniques including fMRI, two-photon imaging, optogenetics, and neuroimage analysis to address the biological question. The project collaborates with Prof Coulson's lab in SBMS and Dr Balbi's lab in QBI on neurobiology and microscopy. The student will get training in the highly dynamic and cross-disciplinary environment.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.

Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a supervisor.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

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

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of biomedical/electrical engineering, computer science, biological science, medicine or relevant field and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or experience with neurophysiology, neuroimaging and programming language is highly desirable.

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

1. check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
2. prepare your documentation
3. contact Associate Professor Kai-Hsiang Chuang (k.chuang@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
4. submit your application by 25 October, 2024 25 October, 2024.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
• ‘I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'
• ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field enter BRAINWASTE-CHUANG.

Apply now