The Role Of Mitochondrial DNA In Brewing Yeast Fermentation

Although mutations to yeast genomic DNA during brewery fermentations are well documented, this project aims to investigate the underlying causes and effects of mtDNA (petite) mutation in brewing yeast strains. This will include analysis of the propensity to form mutation, the precise nature of the mutation and how this intrinsically impacts on the fermentation capacity of the cell. Specifically, the research questions that we aim to address are:
i) Why do mtDNA mutants form and accumulate during industrial fermentations?
ii) Why are some yeast strains more susceptible to mtDNA mutation than others?
iii) Is mtDNA copy number strain dependent and is this influenced by key fermentation stresses?
iv) Does mtDNA integrity influence inter-organelle communication and in particular nuclear gene expression during fermentation?
v) How can such impacts be mitigated?

This BBSRC funded CASE scholarship is open to UK and EU students only and covers all fees and a stipend starting at £14K per annum.
Candidates should send a covering letter, detailed CV, including university grades/predicted grades, together with the names and contact details of two referees to [Email Address Removed] by November 17th 2014.