Genome-wide synchronization of circadian gene expression

Circadian clocks are molecular oscillators that have evolved to ensure that genetic programs are switched on or off at times when their activation or inhibition is of highest adaptive value. Amongst the processes controlled by circadian clocks are cell signalling, cell cycle progression, and timing of development. Disrupting the temporal control of these processes has severe consequences for physiology and behaviour that range from abnormal control of development in plants and fungi to depression, sleep-wake disorders and cancer in humans. The eukaryote Neurospora crassa is one of the key model systems used in the molecular dissection of circadian clocks and its study has helped to identify elements and modes of regulation that are common to all eukaryotic clocks, including that of humans. In Neurospora processes, such as MAPK signalling, light and temperature signalling, cell cycle control, sexual and asexual development and many other important processes are all controlled by the circadian clock. Without synchronization of circadian clocks the temporal organization of the above mentioned processes breaks down and one of our interests focuses on the molecular events that synchronize circadian clocks with the rhythmic environment. The proposed PhD project will identify genes and their products that are involved in light and temperature signalling pathways that are important for clock synchronization. During the project the PhD student will be trained in a variety of cutting edge molecular and genetics techniques. If you would like to make a significant contribution to our understanding of biological clocks and temporal regulation of gene expression and are interested in a friendly and stimulating working environment that will provide you with a sound education in state of the art molecular biology techniques, we are looking forward to receiving your application