The Role of AGMO – alkylglycerol monooxygenase – in development (WHEELER_U25DTP)

Primary Supervisor – Dr Grant Wheeler 

The canonical Wnt pathway is a potent signalling system that regulates numerous processes during embryonic development, including cell fate determination, migration, polarity, proliferation, and apoptosis, as well as stem cell biology and adult tissue homeostasis. Dysregulated Wnt signalling contributes to many diseases, including birth defects, neurodegeneration, and cancers. As a result, investigation of the Wnt pathway, and identification of Wnt regulators, is considered a research priority. 

Lipid modifications are rapidly emerging as critical regulators of nearly every step in the canonical Wnt pathway. However, the nature, regulation and significance of such modifications remains poorly understood. Alkylglycerol monooxygenase (AGMO), the only enzyme known to cleave the O-alkyl ether bond in alkylglycerols, has recently been shown to be a critical regulator of Wnt signalling in the embryo. Ether lipids were not previously implicated in Wnt signalling or embryo formation. 

In this project the student will identify and investigate agmo requirements during Xenopus embryogenesis, and determine precisely how agmo regulates the canonical Wnt signalling pathway. These studies will transform our understanding of the role ether lipids play in development and disease, opening up new avenues of investigation. 

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2025 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 28, 29 or 30 January 2025.  

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/ 

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master’s degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

Mode of study

Full time

Start date

1 October 2025