Lignin is a major component of plant cell walls, and has a significant influence on the digestibility and uses of plant biomass. The lignin biosynthesis pathway has been one of the most intensively studied
plant metabolic pathways over the past two decades. Nevertheless several fundamental aspects of lignification remain to be understood including aspects of its regulation and its developmental coordination with wider plant metabolism. These are important questions to address given the current world-wide focus on the bio-economy, and the potential of using plant biomass as a renewable feedstock to displace the use of fossil resources and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
We have been using Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) across a panel of elite barley cultivars to identify the loci and genes that influence lignin biosynthesis and straw digestibility. We have identified many exciting candidate genes and, in the process, have uncovered networks of interacting genes that cooperate to produce plant secondary cell walls and ensure the production of strong stems that support high grain yield. The networks include many genes of unknown function or that are not appreciated to be involved in cell wall development and we want to discover their specific roles and functions. Some are transcription factors of various classes and others are biosynthetic enzymes.
This Masters by Research will help to elucidate how these gene networks function by investigating the roles of a few specific genes. We have large datasets that will facilitate the work including large populations of cultivars with RNAseq and exome capture data (providing gene expression levels in different tissues plus information on single nucleotide polymorphisms – SNPs), a pseudomolecule assembly of the barley genome, TILLING populations of barley mutants, and the ability to use very efficient transgenesis methods (RNAi and CRISPR). Understanding how these genes interact and how they influence cell wall traits will produce data both of fundament importance to understanding plant biology, and of translational importance in expanding opportunities for targeted improvement of plant biomass by rational ‘designer’ approaches.
This project can be adapted to the interests of candidates, and, depending on the specifics of the project developed, provides opportunities for training in a wide range molecular techniques, in bioinformatics, in biochemistry and cell biology, and/or in the production of gene edited or RNAi transgenic plants. The student will be part of the University of Dundee, School of Life Sciences but will be based In the Division of Plant Sciences at the near-by James Hutton Institute and will benefit from the facilities and expertise on both sites.
Please see our website for further details on the programme:
Life Sciences MSc by Research MSc by Research (Postgraduate) : Study : University of Dundee
Please note before submitting your application that you must list your top three project choices in the Research Proposal section of the application form.
You apply for this course using our Direct Application System. Once you've signed up for an account you'll be asked to search for a course.
https://www.dundee.ac.uk/study/pgr/research-areas/life-sciences/
To find Life Science MSc by Research you should select the following options:
· Course type: Research Postgraduate
· Keyword: Life
When you complete your form, you should include your top 3 project choices, 2 letters of reference, uploaded under "Other Information" > "Supporting documents" and a personal statement. Failure to do so will delay your application.
Please note when submitting an application that we have the following deadline dates throughout the year:
September Starts - Application Deadline 1st May, Interview Date - Late June
January Starts - Application Deadline 1st Sep, Interview Date - Late October
May Starts - Application Deadline 1st Feb, Interview Date - Late March
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