Structures and function of human UGGT1 complexes for rare disease

Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology (LISCB)

PhD Start date: September 2020

We set out to discover how the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) glycoprotein folding Quality Control (ERQC) checkpoint enzyme, UGGT, binds its ER partner proteins and how it recognises its misfolded substrate glycoproteins. Fluorescently tagged RFP(GFP) fusions of UGGT partners and substrate glycoproteins will be purified from mammalian cells. The structures of the purified UGGT-containing complexes will be determined by X-ray crystallography and Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM). The hypotheses generated by the structures will be tested in vitro by biochemical experiments and in cellula by fluorescent microscopy, following the fluorescent fusion glycoproteins through the secretory pathway of WT and UGGT KO mammalian cells.

Academic entry requirements:
UK Bachelor Degree with at least 2:1 in a relevant subject or overseas equivalent.

How to apply: https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/funded-opportunities/cls-mcb-liscb-2020

Eligibility:
UK and EU candidates only