MSc by Research: Unravelling the molecular mechanism underpinning Ubiquitin-like fusion protein proteolysis

The biological complexity observed in living organisms greatly exceeds the number of different forms of proteins (the proteome) that the encoding genomes would predict. One route of diversification that the cell uses to expand its proteome is via the covalent posttranslational modification (PTM) of proteins at one or more sites, allowing for the generation of new and different proteoforms. PTMs play a key role in many fundamental processes and the proper regulation of protein PTMs is critical for the correct functioning of the cell. When this process goes awry, it can lead to diseases such as cancer or neurodegeneration.  

Although some PTMs have been already characterized, many still remain to be identified and understood. 

The major focus of the Maniaci Lab is to discover the fundamental principles of how cells expand the diversity of their proteome via previously unrecognised “cleave-to-modify” mechanism that we have recently uncovered. This mechanism involves the processing of Ubiquitin-like-domain containing proteins to enable their further modification as a means to regulate protein biological function. This project aims to characterize this previously unexplored mechanism in more detail and discover the key players involved in its regulation. 

By uncovering the role and extent of this unprecedented mechanism, the proposed project will transform our understanding of protein processing and modification and, consequently, reveal new potential targets for pharmacological intervention. 

The project merges several disciplines, ranging from method development, biochemistry, cell biology and quantitative proteomics and takes advantage of a recently developed toolkit to study the ubiquitin-like-fusion protein system. The project also complements ongoing lab efforts and expands upon our recent discoveries in this area.   

 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.

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