Ligand-induced selective signalling of peptide GPCRs and their potential role in the regulation of mRNA methylation

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) modulate the majority of physiological and pathological processes and constitute the largest family of cell surface receptors and drug targets. The human GnRH receptor has been proposed to couple to Gq, Gs and Gi families of G proteins to mediate different cellular functions such as regulation of the reproductive function and direct inhibition of cancer cell growth, but the mechanisms remains unclear. This project will investigate if GnRH receptor can directly interact with different G proteins using the state-of-art nanoBRET technologies, will identify G protein coupling-selective ligands and examine how activation of different G proteins can differentially modulate m6A methylation which affect cellular functions such as cell growth and tumourigenesis. Successful completion of this project will address for the first time the potential roles of GPCRs and G proteins in the modulation of m6A methylation and therefore cellular functional changes.

For more details about Professor Lu’s research, please see the link below.

https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?hl=en&user=ffTFHIwAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/departments/academic-departments/biological-sciences/staff/zhiliang-lv

For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU): Please visit
http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd.html

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 Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Computer Science，Chemistry or a closely-related discipline. Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, or an equivalent qualification, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.

How to Apply
Interested applicants are advised to email [Email Address Removed] (principle supervisor’s email address) the following documents (please put the project title in the subject line).
•CV
•Two reference letters
•Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
•Proof of English language proficiency (an IELTS score of above 6.5 or equivalent is required
•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)

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