Protein ubiquitination is a posttranslational modification which regulates almost all aspects of eukaryotic biology. Ubiquitin conjugation is orchestrated by ~40 E2 conjugating enzymes which operate in concert with several hundred E3 ligating enzymes giving rise to high combinatorial complexity. The combination of E2 and E3 enzyme influences the nature of the ubiquitin signal yet our understanding of which permutations are of physiological significance is surprisingly weak. The ubiquitin system is implicated in numerous diseases so identification of E2-E3 pairs will provide new interaction surfaces for therapeutic targeting. Furthermore, determining the temporal dependence on E2-E3 pairings will also provide much sought insight into the mechanism of substrate ubiquitination. Using synthetic chemistry, genetic code expansion technology and cell biology methods this project will utilize sophisticated photocrosslinking technology allowing the determination of these transient E2-E3 complexes with temporal resolution.
Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK 2.1 honours degree (and preferably a Masters) in Chemistry, Biochemistry or other relevant discipline. Applications from students with either a strong chemical or biological science background are encouraged. This project would particularly suit a chemist wishing to broaden their expertise by working at the interface between chemistry and biology.
Please direct any informal enquiries by email to Satpal Virdee (s.s.virdee@dundee.ac.uk)
Funding Notes:
We offer 3.5-year studentships in which you would join a particular lab in the Unit. However, we strongly encourage prospective students to become part of the 4-year PhD programme in which you carry out rotation projects in two labs within the Unit (see listing in University of Dundee PhD projects).
We ask potential applicants to note that the eligibility criteria for these studentships relating to academic qualifications are similar to those of the UK Research Councils. However, we welcome all applications from UK citizens and EU nationals. The studentships carry a tax-free stipend of £17, 500 per annum
References:
1. Davis, L. and Chin, J. W. (2012) Designer proteins: applications of genetic code expansion in cell biology. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 13, 168-182