RNA biodesign: developing molecular switch components for enzyme expression systems

This project is currently not accepting new applicants. View all of our current research projects.

This fully-funded studentship is available to UK and EU students only and covers tuition fees and an annual maintenance grant of £14,777 (RCUK 2018/19 rate). University funding will be made available to offer extensions into a 4th year where this will maximise scientific output and boost research careers.

The supervisors are Professor Anastasia Callaghan, Dr Darren Gowers and Dr Garry Scarlett.

This fully-funded studentship is supported as part of the University of Portsmouth’s investment to grow its newly developed Centre for Enzyme innovation. The Centre focuses on the discovery, engineering and deployment of enzymes with potential application to the circular economy.

This project will utilise our patented high-throughput array platform technology 1,2,3 to support discovery, optimisation and biodesign of the molecular switch components of gene expression systems. The regulation of gene expression, particularly within the context of applied enzymatic systems, is of critical importance.

Central to transcriptional and post-transcriptional/translational control are non-coding riboregulator RNAs. Their prevalence and diverse function, within nature, has inspired their exploitation as molecular switches coordinating and controlling enzyme production. The ability to assemble versatile, programmable regulators into genetic circuits in order to achieve precise and predictable control of enzyme expression is a major goal of this work.

The goal of this PhD studentship is to expand the repertoire of riboregulator molecular switch components to support controlled and coordinate enzyme production within systems.

As well as a full program of training provided by the Graduate School, specialist training will be provided for the patented high-throughput array platform technology, and a range of in-house instruments and techniques. Additionally, the Portsmouth laboratories are equipped with a comprehensive suite of biochemical and biophysical instruments.

References

1. Phillips et al. (2018) High-density functional-RNA arrays as a versatile platform for studying RNA-based interactions. Nucleic Acids Research. 46(14). e86
2. Callaghan US Patent US9777268B2 (2017)
3. Callaghan EU Patent EP2732047A1 (2014)

We’d encourage you to contact Professor Anastasia Callaghan (anastasia.callaghan@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting both the project code and the project title.

When you are ready to apply, you can use our online application form making sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV.

Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.

When applying to the University, please quote project code: BIOL4550219