This project is part of the DPhil in Biology at the University of Oxford. Seeds and pods communicate to coordinate reproductive development from fertilisation to seed maturation. This project aims to understand how using pea as a model.
The Østergaard laboratory invites applications for a PhD in the area of developmental genetics during legume pod formation.
In the history of life on Earth, the evolution of flowering plants (angiosperms) is arguably one of the most impactful events that has shaped the world of today. More than 95% of extant plants belong to the angiosperm phylum and domesticated flowering plants are essential sources of protein and energy in the human diet. A major reason for their success is the formation of carpels in the centre of flowers.
This project addresses how seeds and pods communicate to coordinate reproductive development from fertilisation to seed maturation using pea as a model. The experimental work will involve developmental genetics, epigenetics and transcriptomics to study the effect of hormonal signalling molecules on gene regulation across tissues. The student will, moreover, exploit unique genetic material to identify novel regulators underlying seed-pod communication.
Whilst studying a critical question in the evolution of flowering plants, the results will set out directions to improve the performance of legume crops. Legume crops provide the majority of plant-based protein in the human diet worldwide and it is argued widely that more emphasis should be placed on legumes as a source of dietary protein to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The results of the work in this project will identify mechanisms for potentially increasing pod size, seed size and seed number. This knowledge will not only point out routes to increase the yield of pea but is likely transferrable to other legume species with potential global impact.
The student will be part of a newly starting group in the Molecular Plant Biology section of the Department of Biology. We are focused on questions in developmental genetics using model and crop systems that span both legumes and Brassicaceae. Whilst our research questions are fundamental in nature, we are excited about identifying routes to translate our fundamental findings into applications for crop improvement.
The proposed work links a long-standing focus on hormonal and genetic interactions involved in Brassicaceae fruit development with a recent interest in processes controlling legume pod development – in particular pea pod formation. This PhD project will be closely aligned with an ongoing effort to establish pea developmental genetics in the Østergaard lab, and is connected with a PhD project in the lab within the EDESIA programme on the effect of pea pod morphology on seed nutrition currently ongoing at the John Innes Centre (JIC) in Norwich.
This project is part of the Molecular Plant Biology theme in the Department of Biology.
Funding
'This project is eligible for scholarship funding at UKRI levels for 3.5 years.
Eligibility
The applicant should have at least a strong upper second-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent overseas qualification in a relevant subject (e.g. biology, evolution).
This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.
How to apply
The deadline for applications for 2023-2024 entry is midday 30 June 2023.
You can find the admissions portal and further information about eligibility and the DPhil in Biology Programme at the University's graduate admissions page.
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