The conversion of information stored in DNA to produce proteins is essential to all forms of life. During this process, the integrity of DNA is challenged by attacks from molecules produced as by-products, such as reactive oxygen species. It is estimated that 7 DNA breaks are produced in each cell every minute. If the breaks are not repaired, they cause disease, particularly at old age such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, the efficient and timely repair of DNA breaks is critical for the health of cells and organisms. We recently found that DNA breaks are formed in regions of the DNA that are not directly converted to proteins but play an important role in the regulation of gene expression, called enhancers. How does DNA damage at enhancers impact the essential process of converting information stored in DNA to proteins is unclear. The project will use genomics and computational methods to determine how DNA damage at enhancers affect gene expression and establish the consequences of perturbation in this process on cell function.
Student Eligibility
Academic requirements: applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a first or upper second class UK honours degree (or equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK) in an appropriate STEM area of study.
Applicants should be registering on their first year of study with the University for 2023/24 on an eligible programme of doctoral study.
Candidates must qualify for Home fee status.
The project is jointly funded by the University of Sheffield and the A*STAR Institute in Singapore
Funding
A*Star will provide the following financial support, whilst the student is in Singapore:
Monthly stipend of S$2,700
Monthly housing allowance of S$600
One-time airfare grant of S$1,500
One-time settling-in allowance of S$1,000
One-time IT allowance of S$800
Medical insurance
Conference allowance
In Sheffield, students receive fees and stipend at the UKRI rate. Currently £4,596 fees and £17,668 stipend per annum
Sheffield will supplement the A*STAR one-time airfare grant of S$1,500 to a maximum of £500 should students be unable to secure flights within the amount offered by A*STAR. This is subject to advance bookings and provision of receipts
In addition, students will be able to claim up to £500 from Sheffield towards the costs of an airfare back to the UK whilst they are in Singapore in order to make a home visit. This will normally be available for students who meet the normal expectations of spending approximately half of the programme in Singapore. This allowance is not available for those NOT spending 50% of the programme time in Singapore
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