Using structural biology tools to understand molecular mechanisms in the ubiquitin system and cancer biology

The project will focus on unravelling the molecular basis of how deregulated proteins in the ubiquitin system function in human cancer biology. The attachment of ubiquitin to cellular proteins can trigger a number of different cellular events such as protein degradation by the proteasome or signalling pathways. This process needs to be tightly regulated in order to ensure that proteins are destroyed at the correct moment in time, e.g. during the cell cycle. Deubiquitinating enzymes regulate ubiquitination and are therefore able to control a protein’s life span. To date we understand little about how they are selective for different substrates and how deregulation contributes to disease.

You will investigate the role of a deubiquitinating enzyme in human cancer and receive training in a variety of state-of-the-art biochemical and biophysical techniques such as cloning, mutagenesis, protein expression and purification, fluorogenic assays and X-ray crystallography. You will be part of an international group based in the new interdisciplinary Centre for Biomolecular Sciences on University Park campus in Nottingham, benefiting from a diverse and stimulating research environment.

If you would like to make a formal application you can do so online. You will find details of the application process and a link to the online application form on the following website http://pgstudy.nottingham.ac.uk/apply-for-postgraduate-courses.aspx
Please make sure you include Project Supervisor name on your application.

Also, please send your CV with the names of two referees to [Email Address Removed]. Interested applicants are welcome to make informal enquiries:

Ingrid Dreveny
Centre for Biomolecular Sciences
University of Nottingham
Nottingham, NG7 2RD
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 115 8468015
Fax: +44 115 8468002
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pharmacy/research/mcsb/structuralbiology/index.aspx

1. Reyes-Turcu et al. (2009) Annu Rev Biochem 78, 363-397.
2. Daviet et al. (2008) Biochimie 90, 270-283.