Understanding interactions between gut epithelial stem cells and enteric neurons

Research Opportunity
PhD students, Honours students, Master of Biomedical Science
Primary Supervisor Email Number Webpage
Dr Lincon Stamp lstamp@unimelb.edu.au
Co-supervisor Email Number Webpage
Dr Marlene Hao hao.m@unimelb.edu.au

Summary Our group is interested in the development of the enteric nervous system and stem cell therapies for enteric neuropathies. The enteric nervous system is responsible for the co-ordinated control of gut function. Enteric neurons and glia are located in a network of interconnecting ganglia within the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. Correct development of this nervous system is crucial for proper control of digestive function. Please refer to our website for more information on our research and publications:

Project Details

This project aims to investigate the interaction between gut neurons and the epithelial stem cell compartment, as well as the relationship between age-related loss of enteric neurons and changes in gut epithelial stem cells. The role of epithelial stem cell-nerve communication, and the signalling pathways mediating it, are currently poorly understood.
This study, which includes novel co-culturing of organoids and enteric neurospheres, will identify signalling pathways and cellular mechanisms by which nerves influence the epithelia during homeostasis and ageing.
The outcome of the project will be a better understanding of the biology of the body's most highly proliferative, long-lived stem cells; intestinal epithelial stem cells.

Research Opportunities

PhD students, Honours students, Master of Biomedical Science
Students who are interested in joining this project will need to consider their elegibility as well as other requirements before contacting the supervisor of this research

Graduate Research application

Honours application

Key Contact

For further information about this research, please contact a supervisor.

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