Protein self assembly induced by multivalent biological metabolites

In addition to being an energy source in biological reactions, recent discoveries suggest adenosine triphosphate (ATP) also plays a critical role in maintaining cell stability and preventing deleterious cellular processes through modulating biomacromolecular self assembly. ATP has been shown to inhibit aggregation of fibril forming proteins linked to diseased states, to direct the formation of membraneless organelles, and to inhibit association of eye proteins linked to age-related cataracts (Patel et al., 2017 Science 356: 753; Greiner et al., 2019 Exp Eye Res. 190:107862). In this work, we will elucidate the molecular basis for stabilizing effects of ATP through a combination of computational modelling and measurements of intermolecular interactions and protein aggregation behaviour. The findings will provide important insights for controlling diseased states in cells, but have broader implications for biological medicines. Small multivalent ions such as ATP could be used for increasing the colloidal stability of gene therapies and next generation biopharmaceuticals, which are increasingly difficult to manufacture due to physical instabilities.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

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Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-fap

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

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After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [Email Address Removed].

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We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).