Defining the transcription roles of BRCA1 and BRCA2 at University of Birmingham on FindAPhD.com

This project is no longer listed on FindAPhD.com and may not be available.

Click here to search FindAPhD.com for PhD studentship opportunities

Dr M Saponaro Applications accepted all year round Self-Funded PhD Students Only

Birmingham United Kingdom Cancer Biology Genomics Human Genetics Molecular Biology

About the Project

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations predispose to both breast and ovarian cancers, with both factors playing many crucial roles in DNA damage repair and response. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are essential to maintain genome stability, however, both factors are also involved in regulating the RNA Pol II transcription process. What is the contribution of the transcription roles of BRCA1 and BRCA2 to genome stability maintenance and the impact on disease, is, unfortunately, less characterised and understood.

Using a combination of molecular biology, biochemistry, functional genomics, and bioinformatics, the student will assess how exactly BRCA1 and BRCA2 regulate RNA Pol II transcription, how this role affects the production of transcripts, and how these roles are important to preserve genome stability and are important to sensitise cells to specific drugs.

Funding Notes

Self-funded and self-funded/government-funded UK and international PhD students.

References

Wang et al., Persistence of RNA transcription during DNA replication delays duplication of transcription start sites until G2/M. Cell Reports 2021 Feb 16;34(7):108759.
M Saponaro et al., RECQL5 controls transcript elongation and suppresses genome instability associated with transcription stress. Cell 2014 May 22;157(5):1037-49.
L Williamson, et al., UV irradiation induces a non-coding RNA that functionally opposes the protein encoded by the same gene. Cell 2017 Feb 23;168(5):843-855.e13.
T Kantidakis et al., Mutation of cancer driver MLL2 results in transcription stress and genome instability. Genes & Development 2016 Feb 15;30(4):408-20.

How good is research at University of Birmingham in Biological Sciences?

Research output data provided by the Research Excellence Framework (REF)

Click here to see the results for all UK universities

Where will I study?

University of Birmingham

For more than a century, the University of Birmingham has been pursuing and sharing knowledge through outstanding teaching and research. As a founding Russell Group member and the original ‘redbrick’ university, our high-quality teaching will help you take your career to the next level. We’re the top university for employers according to the 2024 High Fliers report, with our graduates attracting the most attention from the country’s leading industries. With a wealth of opportunities to choose from across study and research, Birmingham has one of the most extensive postgraduate course portfolios in the UK. Hosting an international community of more than 8,000 staff and 38,000 students, you’ll work alongside world-leading academics in a diverse community.