Self-regeneration is a hallmark of all living cells and of life itself. Recent advances in bottom-up synthetic biology and mechanistic modelling now offer powerful tools to elucidate how cellular organisation gives rise to this key feature of living systems.
In vitro protein synthesis systems, previously only used for exogenous protein production, can now also regenerate its own components [1]. Crucially, this opens up avenues to pinpoint the conditions that support regeneration. For example, recent work showed that a balanced allocation of biochemical energy between transcription and translation is key to sustain regeneration [1]. More general ‘design principles’ underpinning regeneration, however, still remain unexplored.
You will combine cutting-edge cell-free technology [1] and state-of-the-art computational models [2] to study cellular components in a maximally controlled setting. We seek to answer what principles enable sustained regeneration in biochemical, and eventually, biological systems. To address this, we will:
1. Measure kinetic parameters of key cellular components involved in protein synthesis, using a completely defined cell-free expression system under microfluidic control [1].
2. Use the data to build a computational model of cell-free physiology based on [2], which will be used to explore and analyse conditions for sustained and adaptive self-regeneration.
3. Characterise and experimentally test principles and minimal components required for self-regeneration, iterating between model and experiment.
During this project, you will characterise the landscape of self-regeneration, both in silico and in vitro, and identify key elements and principles that underpin this universal cellular property.
The School of Biological Sciences is committed to Equality & Diversity: https://www.ed.ac.uk/biology/equality-and-diversity
How to Apply:
The “Institution Website” button will take you to our online Application Checklist. From here you can formally apply online. This checklist also provides a link to EASTBIO - how to apply web page. You must follow the Application Checklist and EASTBIO guidance carefully, in particular ensuring you complete all the EASTBIO requirements, and use /upload relevant EASTBIO forms to your online application.
Continue with Facebook
