EASTBIO Computational design of multi-state proteins using molecular simulations and machine learning

Project Details:
The ability to computationally design de novo proteins is a key technology that underpins future progress in synthetic biology and biomaterials discovery. However current de novo design methods tend to produce rigid, hyperstable folds that lack functionality. To progress towards truly functional de novo protein design it is crucial to design proteins that adopt multiple conformational states. This would enable the design of protein as catalysts, or biosensors or bioswitches that respond to environmental changes such as a variation in pH or temperature.1

Such an endeavour is challenging for the energy functions in current protein-design software because it requires designing folds that adopt structurally distinct yet energetically similar states. Rigorous molecular dynamics simulation methods that describe protein dynamics and solvation effects at the atomistic level have shown potential for such ‘dynamic design’ problems.2 However current molecular dynamics methods are too slow and complex for routine application to protein design.

This PhD project will validate an interdisciplinary approach that leverages new classes of machine learning algorithms to substantially accelerate the speed of molecular dynamics simulations for de novo protein design problems. Throughout the project we will tackle a range of problems of fundamental importance in protein design, ranging from optimising secondary structure preferences of cyclic peptides,3 to tuning the preferred oligomerisation states of de novo -helical bundles.4 Such systems are well suited to a combined data-driven/physics-driven molecular modelling approach owing to a large amount of existing experimental data, and validated energy functions for atomistic modelling. The accurate modelling of such multi-state systems will open new routes for the design of versatile building blocks for synthetic biology applications, and for the discovery of new biomaterials. Experimental validation of the design method will be performed by designing switchable -helical bundles. Designs will be produced in the lab using either molecular biology or solid phase peptide synthesis and will be characterised in vitro using a range of biophysical techniques.

Throughout this project the student will receive advanced training in computational biology, structural bioinformatics, biophysical chemistry, machine learning and computer programming, with additional skills in experimental techniques such as protein production and characterisation. The Michel (https://www.julienmichel.net/) and Wood (https://www.wellswoodresearchgroup.com/) labs are committed to open-access research, and software and datasets generated during this project will be made publicly available.
Informal enquiries are encouraged. Interested candidates should send to [Email Address Removed] and [Email Address Removed] a copy of their CV, and a brief description of their previous research experience and current research interests as soon as possible, preferably no later than 18th December 2020.

Application Process:
To apply for an EASTBIO PhD studentship http://www.eastscotbiodtp.ac.uk/, follow the instructions below:
Check FindaPhD https://www.findaphd.com/phds/program/bbsrc-eastbio-doctoral-training-partnership-call-for-applications-for-2021/?p1048 for our available projects and contact potential supervisors before you apply.

After you have discussed the projects of interest to you with the project supervisors, download and complete our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion survey https://edinburgh.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/eastbio-dtp-equality-diversity-inclusion-form-2021 and then fill in the EASTBIO Application Form and submit the application form plus your academic transcripts to Dr Julien Michel ([Email Address Removed]) (Links to the forms can be found here: http://www.eastscotbiodtp.ac.uk/how-apply-0)

Send the EASTBIO Reference Form to your two academic/professional referees, and ask them to submit these directly to Dr Julien Michel ([Email Address Removed])(Link to the form can be found here: http://www.eastscotbiodtp.ac.uk/how-apply-0)

If you are nominated by the supervisor(s) of the EASTBIO PhD project you wish to apply for, they will provide a Supervisor Support Statement.

All EASTBIO (online) interviews will be in the week 8-12 February 2021 with awards made the following week.

The School of Chemistry holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. The University is a member of the Race Equality Charter and is a Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion, actively promoting LGBT equality. The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment. See our University Initiatives website for further information. University Initiatives website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity/help-advice/family-friendly