De Novo Protein Design to Probe Neural Development

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are key regulators of neuronal development, controlling processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Despite their importance, the precise timing and spatial dynamics of RTK signalling remain poorly understood, partly due to limitations of genetic and pharmacological tools. This project will apply cutting-edge engineering biology approaches to design synthetic RTK agonists and antagonists with high specificity and tunable activity. Using de novo protein design and biophysical validation, these synthetic ligands will provide dynamic, reversible control of RTK pathways. Functional studies will be performed in physiologically relevant models. The successful candidate will gain expertise in computational protein design, structural biology, and advanced neuronal models, contributing to a new generation of molecular tools for probing neurodevelopmental signalling and informing therapeutic strategies.