All living organisms need to adapt to their environment in order to survive and reproduce. They are subjected to many stresses including altered oxygen levels, heat or cold, irradiation, infection and injury. Dependent upon the type of stress, different pathways are activated in cells to promote repair and survival. A common feature of these stress responses is the temporary inhibition of protein production in cells. This coincides with RNAs, translation factors and signalling proteins coalescing to form cytoplasmic stress granules. Importantly, stress granules increase the resistance of cells to stress.
However, if they are not properly regulated, this can have a serious impact on health. For example, their assembly is increased in cancer cells giving them a survival advantage and they are proposed to seed the formation of protein aggregates in neurons that underpin neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – the most common form of motor neurone disease.
In addition, there is evidence that stress granules form and aggregate during normal ageing and that preventing this can increase lifespan in the animal model C. elegans. Our aim is to gain a better understanding of how stress granules are regulated as part of the normal physiological response to stress and during ageing. This understanding will help determine how manipulating stress granule assembly and function can be exploited for therapeutic benefit to counter ageing and age-related diseases.
Entry Requirements
Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a related area/subject. Candidates with previous laboratory experience, particularly in cell culture and molecular biology, are particularly encouraged to apply.
How To Apply
For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select PhD Genetics
For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/”