PhD -How membrane proteins are regulated – revealing the dynamic S-acyl proteome in plants
PhD @University of Dundee posted 3 days agoJob Description
- Funding – self-funded/externally sponsored applicants (PhD Fees can be found here)
- Applications are accepted year round
- Standard Entry dates – January and September
- Applicants are expected to have a degree (equivalent of Honours or Masters) in a relevant discipline.
S-acylation involves addition of fatty acids to sulfhydryl groups of cysteine residues within proteins, typically altering protein function by changing behaviour within cellular membranes. S-acylation is highly dynamic, with S-acyl groups able to be added and removed from proteins many times during their lifetime and on sub-second timescales. Over 15% of the cellular proteome (40% of the membrane proteome) is thought to be S-acylated in a typical eukaryote, placing S-acylation alongside phosphorylation or ubiquitination as ubiquitous post-translational modifications able to dictate protein activity or function. Many processes affecting climate change, human health or nutrition involve S-acylation such as plant development and architecture, cellulose synthesis (biofuels), plant resistance to pathogens, neuronal and cardiac function and many cancers. However, in contrast to other PTMs, S-acylation has far fewer investigatory tools available and is therefore comparatively understudied.
We recently developed click chemistry tools to label S-acylated proteins and allow their detection. The aim of this project is to develop these tools further and use them to investigate protein S-acylation dynamics in plants at the individual protein and proteome level. Skills learned will include biochemistry, molecular biology, click chemistry and proteomics. You will join a diverse and collaborative lab with opportunities for international conference attendance and a wide range of scientific and transferrable skills training. Recent ~£65 million investment in the Advanced Plant Growth Centre and International Barley Hub ensure that cutting edge plant growth facilities are available, in addition to the world leading biochemical, molecular, computational and imaging expertise and facilities at Dundee.
For further details and informal discussion prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact Dr Piers Hemsley (pahemsley@dundee.ac.uk) before submitting an application.
Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.
How to apply
Please contact the principal project supervisor to discuss your interest further, see supervisor details below.
For general enquiries, contact SLS-PhDAdmin@dundee.ac.uk
