PhD Research Project

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Catching Reaction Intermediates in the Multi-step PLP biosynthesis with Microfocus Synchrotron Techniques in situ

Institution:

University of Southampton

Dept/School/Faculty:

Biological Sciences

PhD Supervisor:

Dr I Tews

Application Deadline:

No more applications being accepted

Funding Availability:

Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

PhD Research Project

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The Diamond Light Source and the University of Southampton offer a PhD in macromolecular crystallography. The work will establish new experimental techniques to analyse enzymatic reactions in protein crystals. The project pushes the boundaries of current experimental work, developing new methods for experimental data collection to give a live picture of catalysis. Training is unique through a combination of techniques in biochemistry, crystallography and computing skills for advanced data analysis.
Background. Investigating crystallographic complexes of proteins with small molecules is important to understand enzyme catalysis. Studies of this kind are also essential to understand drug binding to target proteins, such as enzymes. This proposal deals with the enzyme PLP synthase that catalyses more than a dozen steps in the biosynthesis of vitamin B6. PLP synthase is of interest for developing new intervention strategies for microbial or parasitic targets.
Methodology. Techniques employed range from standard biochemical methods to produce protein and macromolecular crystals to the most advanced methodology currently available to collect crystal data at a Synchrotron source. Biochemistry and protein crystal growth will be carried out at Southampton at the Institute for Life Sciences (www.southampton.ac.uk/ifls/) where the Macromolecular Crystallisation facilities of the Southampton Diffraction Centre are found (www.southampton.ac.uk/sdc). The work is shared with the Diamond Light Source to make optimum use of the advanced capabilities becoming routinely available on the beam-line I24 (www.diamond.ac.uk/Home/Beamlines/MX/I24.html).
Workplace. The Life Sciences building provides a multidisciplinary, stimulating and supportive environment for post-graduate students. As part of your research programme you will gain subject-specific and generic skills through attendance of training courses and seminars. In parallel you will have regular supervision sessions and you will also be involved in some undergraduate student supervision as you progress. You will be encouraged to present your findings at internal and external meetings and to contribute to the writing of papers for publication. The Diamond Light Source is a synchrotron light source and a leading scientific facility of its type in the world. Located on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in South Oxfordshire, it is host to facilities supporting cutting edge research in all fields of science. Beamline I24 for macromolecular microcrystallography is the premier facility of its type in the world utilizing the very latest in cutting edge optics and detectors. You will have the opportunity to work closely with the beamline team and develop methodology that capitalizes on the very latest technology.
Application Deadline: May 24th 2012
Interview Date: May 31st 2012
Start Date: September 1st 2012 (earliest), December 1st 2012 (latest)
Requirements: Equivalent of a first or upper second-class degree in biochemistry, chemical sciences, natural sciences, physics or informatics.
Dr Ivo Tews, University of Southampton, Ivo.Tews@soton.ac.uk, http://www.southampton.ac.uk/biosci/about/staff/it1y09.page, p: 02380 59 4415
Dr Gwyndaf Evans, Diamond Light Source, gwyndaf.evans@diamond.ac.uk, http://www.diamond.ac.uk/Home/Science/Expertise/GwyndafEvans.html, p: 01235 778 164

Funding Notes:

This studentship is fully funded, covering University tuition fees (at UK level) and provides a tax-free bursary of £13,590 per year, rising annually in line with the UK Government (research councils). This opportunity is only open to UK nationals and international students.