How a cell determines its fate is one of the longstanding and fundamental questions in Biology. Compared with animal cells, plant cells demonstrate incredible plasticity in terms of cell fate changes. A differentiated plant somatic cell can be triggered to de-differentiate and to regain its pluripotency. Despite the potential agricultural impact and fundamental biological importance of this phenomenon, research on “triggered pluripotency” has been left largely unexplored in plants. Kalanchoë (Mother of thousands) species propagate asexually by forming baby plants (plantlets) on the edge of leaves. During plantlet formation, somatic cells in the leaf margin change their cell fate and regain pluripotency to form plantlets. However, little is known about underlying molecular and genetic mechanisms and cues triggering such a cell fate change during plantlet initiation.
The main aim of this project is to unravel the molecular genetic mechanisms involved in the plantlet initiation. Specifically, you will investigate the role of the embryogenesis regulators during this process. First, you will determine when and where the plantlet initiation occurs using a combination of state of the art technologies. Then you will investigate the role of key embryogenesis genes during plantlet formation by inhibiting the pathways. You will also perform laser capture microdissection (LCM) and RNA-Seq to identify key regulators and pathways and to build an integrated model of this process. The multidisciplinary approaches used in this project will deliver novel insights into how biochemical, biophysical and specific molecular components cooperate to trigger pluripotency and initiate plantlet development, which can be used to explain broader developmental processes. As such this project will provide a broad training in cutting edge techniques in plant molecular sciences and allow you to make a substantive contribution to important developmental processes underlying food security.
Eligibility
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science, engineering or technology.
Before you Apply
Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.
How To Apply
To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form - full details on eligibility how to apply can be found on the BBSRC DTP website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/bbsrc-dtp/
Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [Email Address Removed]
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/
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