Structural characterisation of the muscle-specific nuclear microtubule organising centre and its role in muscle disease

Muscle fibres are unique among animal cells in forming a microtubule organising centre (MTOC) at the nuclear envelope, such that microtubules are nucleated from the nucleus. They are also unusual in being formed through fusion of many precursor myoblasts and, as a result, are multi-nucleated. These nuclei are regularly distributed along the myofibre in a microtubule-dependent manner. We identified a muscle-specific nuclear envelope protein, nesprin-12, that acts as a receptor for the nuclear MTOC. This complex also recruits microtubule motor proteins and, collectively, they control muscle nuclei distribution.

Mutations in nesprin-12 and associated nuclear envelope proteins are linked to muscle disease and impair nuclear MTOC formation and nuclear distribution. This project will dissect assembly of the nuclear MTOC by reconstitution of key components in non-muscle cells, leading to structural analysis of the complexes formed. The impact of disease-associated nesprin-12 mutations on the complex structure will then be investigated to determine their role in disease causation.

Entry requirements
https://www2.le.ac.uk/research-degrees/funding/life-sciences/LISCB_MCBadvert2019.pdf

Applicants are required to hold/or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor Degree 2:1 or better in a relevant subject. The University of Leicester English language requirements apply where applicable.

How to apply
You should submit your application using our online application system.

Apply for a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology for September 2019

In the funding section of the application please indicate you wish to be considered for a LISCB/MCB 2019 Studentship

In the Proposal section of the online application please list the names of the supervisor/projects you want to be considered for. (You do not need to submit a separate application for each project).

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Closing date for applications 6 January 2019