The aim of the project is to improve our understanding of the molecular basis of plant responses to salinity (salt) stress. Salinity stress is a major environmental stress that has an adverse effect on crop yield, and so an improved understanding of plant responses to such stress is important for a more targeted breeding programme of crop improvement. Previous work has indicated a link between salinity stress and altered auxin redistribution through the SOS3 kinase signalling pathway, leading to altered root architecture. What is less well understood is the effect of salt stress on the auxin redistribution machinery, such as the PIN auxin transporter proteins. We recently discovered a role for a vesicle-associated VAMP714-dependent pathway of PIN trafficking (New Phyt., 2021), and have also discovered related VAMP7 family proteins (Evol. Bioinfo., 2020) that are auxin-regulated, though their functions are unknown. VAMP7 proteins are SNAREs that mediate vesicle trafficking and regulate protein delivery and recycling at the plasma membrane. A key objective is to investigate the hypothesis that VAMP7 family proteins and their interactors mediate the plant response to salinity stress through links with auxin redistribution to regulate root development.
The project will have four workpackages: 1) generation of multiple VAMP7 mutants using CRISPR technology; 2) characterization of the effects of salt stress and osmotic stress on Arabidopsis root growth and architecture (both wild type and vamp7 mutant seedlings), and on auxin distribution using auxin reporters; 3) characterization of salt and osmotic stress on the localization of PIN proteins using confocal microscopy, in wild type and vamp7 mutants; and 4) characterization of salt and osmotic stress on the expression and protein localization of the VAMP7 family members. This builds on previously published work from the lab, and develops an integrated model of the mechastic link between SNARE proteins, auxin transporter biology, auxin patterning in roots and root growth and development.
The project will provide training for students in plant developmental biology and genetics, and more generic biological skills training in advanced bioimaging, including confocal microscopy, super-resolution microscopy; molecular biology (DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, gene cloning, gene expression analysis, CRISPR-mediated gene editing); and computational biology (bioinformatics, potentially some modelling if the student is interested).
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be made by emailing [Email Address Removed] with:
· a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees);
· a covering letter – clearly stating your first choice project, and optionally 2nd ranked project, as well as including whatever additional information you feel is pertinent to your application; you may wish to indicate, for example, why you are particularly interested in the selected project(s) and at the selected University;
· copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates;
· a copy of your passport (photo page).
A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE AT https://www.nld-dtp.org.uk/how-apply. Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.
In addition to the above items, please email a completed copy of the Additional Details Form (as a Word document) to [Email Address Removed]. A blank copy of this form can be found at: https://www.nld-dtp.org.uk/how-apply.
Informal enquiries may be made to [Email Address Removed]. The closing date for applications is 10th January 2022 at 5.00pm (UK time).
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