Current Opportunities

Two postgraduate scholarships (18,660$AUD per annum tax free) are available to work on either:

1. "Role of VASA in marsupial oogenesis and spermatogenesis" and
2. "Marsupial embryonic stem cells, derivation and characterization.

Students will gain experience in cell & molecular biology working on both in vivo & in vitro models.

Brief details of the projects:

1. Role of vasa in marsupial oogenesis and spermatogenesis

Supervisors: Prof. Lynne Selwood, Dr Shuliang Cui

Vasa protein has been demonstrated to be located in the germ plasm of vertebrates but its role in marsupials is unknown. VASA protein is associated with the germ line and essential for development of sperm in mammals. You will examine its distribution and function during spermatogenesis and oogenesis and early embryonic development. Functional analysis will be done in vivo and in vitro. The marsupial cDNA clone of the VASA gene will be provided and any recombinant VASA protein needed in the project shall be produced by the student with established protocols.
Students will participate in some trips to NZ to collect material.

REF:

• Toyooka et al, (2000) Mechanisms of development 93, 139-149.
• Tanaka et al (2000) Genes and Development, 14, 841-53

2. Marsupial embryonic stem cells, derivation and characterization

Supervisors: Prof. Lynne Selwood, Dr Mary Familari

The student will derive embryonic stem cells from blastocysts (ES cells) and primordial germ cells (EG cells). Partial derivation has already been achieved. The stem cells will be characterized by examining expression of stem cell markers, morphology, and ability to differentiate into the various cells types.

REF:

• Familari, M and Selwood, L. (2006). The potential for derivation of embryonic stem cells in vertebrates. Molecular Reproduction & Development 73, 123-131.

Eligibility and Contact Details:
Students interested in these projects should have a H1 or very good H2A, should contact the appropriate supervisors to discuss these projects further:

Professor Lynne Selwood
Email: l.selwood@zoology.unimelb.edu.au
Telephone: (61-3) 8344 6263.

Dr. Shuliang Cui
Email: S.Cui@zoology.unimelb.edu.au
Telephone: (61-3) 8344 4344

Dr. Mary Familari
Email: m.familari@unimelb.edu.au
Telephone: (61-3) 8344 5069