MScR project: Creation of a Feline Living Bioarchive & Feline Induced Pluripotent stem cells for Use in Investigations into Feline Tooth Resorption & Other Feline Diseases at the University of Edinburgh

Feline tooth resorption (TR) is a painful disease affecting up to 60% of the feline population, caused by dysregulated odontoclasts resorbing the permanent dentition.

Supervisors: Dr Gurå Bergkvist, Dr Tom Burdon & Dr Jeff Schoenebeck

Feline tooth resorption (TR) is a painful disease affecting up to 60% of the feline population, caused by dysregulated odontoclasts resorbing the permanent dentition. A recent RNAseq study identified 12 candidate genes involved in osteoclast differentiation, calcium signalling and pH homeostasis that were differentially expressed between TR affected and healthy teeth. To investigate the effect of these genes we performed functional studies using a co-culture system mimicking the dental microenvironment.  However, reliance on bone marrow donations limits the availability of cells for such screens. We propose that stem cell cultures provide a suitable alternative source of feline osteoclasts for these studies.

Feline fibroblasts generated from tissues removed during routine neutering can be stored to produce a bioarchive with accompanying anonymised clinical data. Stable feline induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines derived from fibroblasts will provide a limitless and genetically tractable source of differentiated cells including osteoclasts. The bioarchive of fibroblasts and iPSCs are crucial for reliable drug screening model systems, to provide biological material for regenerative medicine as well as a source of cells and tissues traditionally hard to obtain.

Aims of the study: (I) To create a biobank of feline fibroblasts accompanied by a sharing database, (II) To develop reproducible protocols to induce pluripotency in feline cells, (III) To establish a protocol for odontoclast differentiation from feline iPSCs, and (IV) To refine dental microenvironment co-culture system utilizing using these cells.

We believe the results of this study will advance researchers ability to bring genomic medicine to veterinary medicine.

If you want to find out more or express an interest, please email [email protected]. Informal enquiries welcome.

The project funding covers fees (at Home/UK rates £9,119), consumables, laptop and a small annual student stipend (£3,222). The student would be based in the Roslin Institute Building on the Easter Bush Campus. You would receive training in all relevant techniques, regular meetings with your supervisors, and a dedicated Thesis Committee to support and guide your progression through the year. Opportunities to present your work would be actively supported and encouraged.

Applications

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.

Closing date for applications 10th December 2021.