Generating novel stem cell-based tools towards increasing the efficiency of meat production from livestock, and in vitro meat applications at the University of Edinburgh

Supervisors: Xavier Donadeu and Emily Clark

Closing Date:  5th January 2022

In-vitro meat production is an emerging area of research which aims to address some of the most pressing issues associated with sustainable food-animal farming. A key factor hindering progress is the lack of robust cell lines for large-scale generation of meat-like products. This project will explore the relative ability of different types of stem cells to robustly grow and generate in-vitro the different components of bovine meat, muscle and fat. It will also provide valuable knowledge on cellular and molecular mechanisms of muscle development in livestock. The project will utilize our developed expertise in muscle stem cells (Front vet Sci 2020, 7:558905; Cell Reprogramming. 2018; 20(5):275) as well as the ready availability of cattle stem cell lines in the laboratory.

Specific objectives will be: 

1. To develop protocols for isolation and in-vitro expansion of bona-fide myogenic and adipogenic cell precursors from bovine tissues. Cells will be isolated based on specific immuno-phenotypes, and the relative ability of derived clonal populations to differentiate into myogenic, adipogenic and fibrogenic lineages will be established

1. To develop protocols for robust differentiation of bovine iPSCs into functional muscle and fat, using optimised procedures developed in other species (Development 2017;144(12):2104)

1. To compare the characteristics of muscle and adipose tissues produced using each of the two strategies above, through molecular profiling and functional testing to establish relative tissue maturity and functional capacity

The project will benefit from the supervisors’ significant combined expertise in muscle development/stem cells/livestock genomics, as well as unique expertise in iPSCs from Roslin Technologies, the industrial partner in the project. The student will become proficient in stem cell isolation/culture/manipulation, and a variety of laboratory techniques for gene/protein analyses. In addition, the project will provide valuable industrial experience which will significantly increase the employability of a successful PhD graduate. 

We would encourage applicants to list up to three projects of interest (ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice) from those listed with a closing date of 5th January 2022 at https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/work-study/opportunities/studentships 

This opportunity is open to UK and international students and provides funding to cover stipend, tuition fees and consumable/travel costs.  Applications including a statement of interest and full CV with names and addresses (including email addresses) of two academic referees, should be emailed to [email protected].

When applying for the studentship please state clearly the project title/s and the supervisor/s in your covering letter.

A webinar will be held on Tuesday 14th December at 13.00hrs (UK time) to assist you in the application process and tell you a little more about studying for a PhD with us.  It will also give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.  If interested in joining us please send your name and email address to [email protected]by Friday 10th December and we will send you a link to the on line meeting

ALL APPLICATION PROCEDURES MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE CLOSING DATE 5th JANUARY 2022