Dr M Urbaniak
No more applications being accepted
Self-Funded PhD Students Only
About the Project
The ability of the vector-borne parasite Trypanosoma brucei to acquire the essential nutrient iron from its mammalian host is critical for its survival and virulence. The parasite obtains iron by expressing its own transferrin receptor (TfR) to uptake host transferrin. Expression of parasite TfR is dynamically regulated, with iron starvation inducing a rapid upregulation of the TfR at both the mRNA and protein level. We have demonstrated that fusion of the TfR-3’UTR to a reporter gene is sufficient to confer an iron starvation response, and developed a simple and reproducible iron starvation signal-and-response system in vitro (bioRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/441931 ).
In this Masters by Research project you will exploit this system using a combination of proteomics and genetics to identify components of the iron starvation signalling pathway. You will have a degree in Biochemistry or a related subject. You will be familiar with molecular biology and the analysis and interpretation of data. Experience of trypanosome cell culture and proteomic techniques is an advantage, although full training will be given.
You will be joining a small, dedicated team in newly-refurbished and well-equipped laboratory space, with facilities including Biohazard Category 2 and 3 laboratories. Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Mick Urbaniak [Email Address Removed].
Applications should be made for Biomedical Science MSc by Research February 2019 through our online application system http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/fhm/study/masters/how-to-apply/. Please ensure that you indicate in your personal statement that you are applying for this project.
For more information on the research carried out in the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences at Lancaster please visit http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/bls/
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