MSc by Research project: Saving Cassava : A novel gene in a deadly virus

Please note this is a Masters by Research project, not a PhD.

Cassava is a major crop in tropical areas around the world, and ranks 7th for its contribution to human calorie contributions world-wide, and 3rd in tropical areas. Its production is threatened in sub-Saharan Africa by two related viruses, CBSV and UCBSV. The Cassava brown streak viruses encode novel Ham1 proteins with conserved Maf/Ham1 motifs. Such proteins, found across prokaryotes and eukaryotes, have nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphatase activities, which reduce mutation rates by preventing the incorporation of non‐canonical nucleotides into RNA and DNA, but such proteins are not usually encoded by viruses. The aim of this MSc is to exploit infectious clones (ICs) to viruses of cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) to fully understand the function of this novel gene Ham1 within the viral genome. The typical experiments would be to explore viral genome sequences, to generate a panel of chimeric ICs consisting of interchanged genes between CBSV and UCBSV, in addition to a panel of mutated individual genes, and to use these to study gene function and viral virulence. If we can discover the role of the Ham1 protein, it might be possible to use this knowledge to help combat CBSD and hence safeguard cassava crops into the future.

Award

The Lady Emily Smyth Studentship is a prestigious award to support two scholars undertaking Masters by Research at the University of Bristol. Funded by the Bristol Centre for Agricultural Innovation, the award will cover the full cost of fees, stipend and consumables for a year, with a supplement to support dissemination. 

Fee: £4,475

Stipend (BBSRC level): £15,561

Research support: £4,500

Applications

UK students are eligible to apply for this award using the University of Bristol's postgraduate application form. Students should indicate their preferred supervisor and that they wish to be considered for the Lady Emily Smyth Studentship. The closing date for applications is 7th January 2021. Supervisors will be asked to nominate their preferred candidate for the award and applications will be ranked by committee prior to interviews, which will be held in the week commencing 25th February 2021.

The Bristol Centre for Agricultural Innovation embraces an inclusive workplace culture and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

For further information please see: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/bcai/lady-emily-smyth-studentships/