Gene regulation using a CRISPR/Cas9-based histone variant deposition

Pseudogenes are functionless remnants of DNA that are copied from parental genes during evolution. EP400 N-terminal-Like (EP400NL) gene was thought to be a pseudogene, located next to the parental EP400 gene in the chromosome. However, previous studies suggest that EP400NL may retain functions of the parental gene in genome maintenance and gene regulation. Our unpublished result indicates that EP400NL protein complex plays a role in the modification of chromosome structure to allow the access of cancer-causing protein factors:

(www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.30.446361v1).

The proposed Ph.D. studies will develop a synthetic genome modifier derived from a CRISPR gene scissor technology to alter chromosome structure. The studies will explore the possibility of a specific genome editing and its application in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU): Please visit

http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/study-with-us/admissions/entry-requirements

http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd/feesscholarships.html

Requirements:

The candidate should have a first class or upper second class honours degree, or a master’s degree (or equivalent qualification), in Biochemistry/Molecular Genetics. Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.

Degree: 

The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are advised to email [Email Address Removed] (XJTLU principal supervisor’s email address) the following documents for initial review and assessment (please put the project title in the subject line).

• CV
• Two reference letters with company/university letterhead
• Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
• Proof of English language proficiency (an IELTS score of 6.5 or above)
• Verified school transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required) 
• PDF copy of Master Degree dissertation (or an equivalent writing sample) and examiners reports available

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Jeong Park ([Email Address Removed]), whose personal profile is linked below,

https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/departments/academic-departments/biological-sciences/staff/jeong-park