The fundamental requirements and components of translation factories for the co-ordinated production of key proteins and pathways in yeast

Understanding the mechanisms surrounding the coordinated production of protein in biotechnological organisms such as baker’s yeast (S. cerevisiae) is important in many biotechnological applications. S. cerevisiae has been used in fermentations for centuries and has become a workhorse of the biotechnology industry. It has been used for the production of industrially important enzymes, various pharmaceuticals (including proinsulin, a-interferon, prochomysin and b-endorphins), and vaccines such as those targeting human papillomaviruses. All of these applications rely upon the engineered overproduction of specific proteins or groups of proteins.

Recently, we have shown that certain ubiquitously expressed and heavily translated mRNAs are localised to specific translation factories. We have defined new classes of RNA granule termed CoFe (Core Fermentation) granules that contain the majority of the glycolytic mRNAs and Translation Factor (TF) granules that contain many translation factor mRNAs. We postulate that the CoFe and TF granules play roles in highly efficient and co-ordinated translation, allowing cells to manage and harmonize the production of components from the same protein complex and/or metabolic pathway. As such, these granules represent intracellular factories for the production of related proteins. In this project, a student will seek to define a set of rules dictating the maintenance and composition of these factories. Using this information, they will address the functional importance of the factories and potential applications of this knowledge to the production of biotechnologically relevant proteins in yeast.

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 life science undergraduate/master’s degree in disciplines such as biochemistry, cell biology or genetics are particularly encouraged to apply. 

Applicants interested in this project should make direct contact with the Primary Supervisor to arrange to discuss the project further as soon as possible.

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 the appropriate subject title.

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.

Incomplete applications will not be considered and withdrawn.

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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/”