Dr Daniel Nieves

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research asks how cell-surface receptors are organised and regulated at the nanoscale, and how this organisation shapes cell signalling. I use single-particle tracking, single-molecule localisation microscopy and DNA-PAINT to observe receptor movement, assembly and molecular interactions in cells. My current work particularly focuses on growth factor receptors and their interactions.

I also develop quantitative imaging, labelling and analysis methods that turn super-resolution images into reproducible biological measurements. My research lies at the intersection of cell biology, advanced microscopy and quantitative analysis, with the aim of connecting molecular-scale behaviour to cellular function.

Research Groups

Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE)

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Hands-on, collaborative, independence-building.

Provision of Training

I will take an active role in your technical training, particularly in microscopy, biochemistry methods, and quantitative analysis. As your skills develop, I will support you in taking increasing ownership of both the methods and direction of the project.

Progression Monitoring and Management

We will agree clear short- and longer-term goals and discuss data regularly, including what worked, what did not and what to try next. I expect you to take increasing ownership of your project, but problems should be raised early so that we can troubleshoot, learn and adapt the plan together.

Communication

I value direct, open communication and I am happy to discuss ideas, technical problems or wider issues affecting your progress. I may sometimes communicate outside normal working hours, but I will not expect an immediate response or any out-of-hours working.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response 3 or 4 days per week.

Work Patterns

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week's notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Molecular rules of fibroblast growth factor receptor movement, assembly and signalling

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Molecular rules of fibroblast growth factor receptor movement, assembly and signalling

Secondary Supervisor(s): Professor Dylan Owen

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes:

Understanding the Rules of Life (Structural Biology)

Project Outline

Cells detect their surroundings through receptors on the cell surface. The fibroblast growth factor receptor family, FGFR1 to FGFR4, controls growth and differentiation. Its isoforms differ in extracellular structure and growth factor recognition, yet it is not known how this diversity affects receptor movement, assembly and signalling. Preliminary results show that FGFR1 isoforms move differently, supporting a family-wide study.

This project will test the hypothesis that receptor structure controls signalling by changing how FGFRs move, interact and assemble. First, the student will produce fluorescently tagged versions of the four FGFRs and their principal cell-surface isoforms in matched cell systems. Live-cell single-particle tracking will follow individual receptors at rest and after growth factor stimulation, altered availability of the cell surface sugar heparan sulphate and inhibition of receptor activity. This will reveal how each receptor moves and switches between membrane states.

Second, super-resolution microscopy will map nanoscale receptor assemblies, while biochemical assays will measure receptor activation and downstream signalling. The family-wide screen will identify the most informative differences for detailed study, keeping the project focused and achievable.

Finally, imaging and signalling measurements will be analysed together to identify shared and isoform-specific relationships between receptor structure, membrane behaviour and activation. Targeted structural changes and selected disease-associated variants will then test these relationships and probe normal receptor function.

The project will reveal fundamental principles by which molecular diversity creates specialised cellular responses. It will provide interdisciplinary training in molecular cell biology, advanced microscopy, signalling assays and reproducible quantitative analysis.

Co-supervisor on a project with Dr Kayoko Tanaka.