The timing, location, and amount of protein made from every gene is critical for all processes in the cell. The production of proteins from genes (gene expression) is therefore very carefully controlled in every cell. This precise control of gene expression allows the egg, a single cell, to become a whole animal. Despite this very careful control, some steps in the gene expression pathway are noisy. In particular, transcription of DNA to make messenger RNA can lead to very different amounts of a particular mRNA in different cells of the same type. The production of protein from mRNAs is in part regulated by a class of RNA molecules called microRNAs, which were essentially unknown before 2001. MicroRNAs have been suggested to act as "buffers" of gene expression. That is, microRNAs may be involved in the smoothing of noisy and variable levels of mRNA to produce stable and tightly controlled amounts of protein. However, there is very little evidence to allow us to understand the buffering function of microRNAs during development of the animal body, for example during the construction of a heart or a brain. We propose to use a combination of computer prediction, genetic tools and microscopy to determine which proteins may be under microRNA control, and then to count molecules of both the protein and the corresponding mRNA in cells. This will allow us to measure the variability of the amounts of mRNAs and proteins between different cells. We will then alter the amount of the microRNA that regulates production of the protein, and look at the effects on the number of mRNA and protein molecules. If a microRNA functions as a buffer, we expect to see greater cell-to-cell variability in the amount of a target protein in cells that lack the microRNA than in cells which have the microRNA. We are particularly interested in studying the effect of microRNA buffering on the choice each cell makes in the developing embryo, for example to become a muscle cell, a neuron, or a blood cell. We will therefore test the hypothesis that microRNAs have wide roles in buffering gene expression during development.
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/
Continue with Facebook
