Genome instability is a known driver of tumourigenesis and hallmark of cancer. Efficient eukaryotic DNA repair requires changes to chromatin to allow signalling and access of repair proteins to sites of damage. These changes to chromatin organisation include covalent modification of histone proteins, incorporation of histone variants and chromatin remodelling. Our group is interested in ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complexes and several of these complexes are associated with repair, with their mutation a driver of tumourigenesis. This project will focus on the human protein HELLS and its budding yeast homolog, Irc5, which are remodellers associated with maintenance of genome stability, yet mechanistic detail of their function is lacking.
This project will provide mechanistic insights into how HELLS/ Irc5 protect genome integrity, in particular their regulation through interaction with other proteins and post-translational modification. The project provides the opportunity for interdisciplinary work, utilising in vitro, biochemical approaches with recombinant purified proteins alongside assays in mammalian cells and budding yeast. By gaining a more complete understanding of the role that chromatin remodelling plays in safeguarding the genome, we aim to gain information that can be used to design and inform cancer therapies and reveal novel drug targets.
MSc by Research (MScR) is a 1-year research degree that provides an intensive lab-based training and a preparation for PhD study. You will carry out your studies as part of your research group – like a PhD student does. Towards the end of the year, you write up a thesis on your research and are examined on this. This degree suits students wanting to gain maximum research experience in preparation for PhD applications.
We are keen to recruit a diverse range of students and to ensure our research is open to all. We particularly welcome applications from groups traditionally under-represented in life sciences research. Please check the University webpages for the current tuition fee information. Most MScR projects also require a bench fee. This varies depending on the research and your project supervisor can tell you the bench fee for the project.
How to apply:
Use the following link to apply: Start your application | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol
You should apply to the Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Biochemistry selecting the programme Biochemistry - MSc by Research.
Please ensure you upload all supporting documents as per the admissions statement (which applies to both PhD and MScR programmes): PhD Biochemistry | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol.
Clearly indicate the supervisor name and project title in the relevant section of the application form.
The system will not allow you to submit your application without uploading a document to the research statement section. Where this is an optional requirement, please upload a blank Word document which is headed “No research statement required”.
Applications are accepted all year round. However, the preferred entry points for study are September / January / April / July.
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