About the Project
Plant biomass, in the form of plant cell walls are the only renewable resource sufficiently abundant to make a meaningful contribution to decreasing CO2 emissions. Cellulose is a polymer of glucose with remarkable structural properties and the world’s most abundant biopolymer that can be used as a source of raw material for chemical and fuel production, or for generating novel biomaterials.
Our research has been pivotal in revealing how cellulose is synthesised in higher plants. There is, however, enormous diversity in both how different plant species synthesise cellulose and in the properties of the cellulose they produce. This project will exploit: (1) the availability of large numbers of plant genome sequences, (2) our increased understanding of the assembly and trafficking of the cellulose synthase complex and (3) recent development of novel proteomic methods to reveal how different plant species produce a wide variety of cellulose types. This information will then be used to make novel celluloses in higher plants and test their utility for the production of novel biomaterials.
We have developed an excellent system for producing novel celluloses in plants that has been tested using genes from a variety of different plants species, including lower plants such as moss. By exploiting a large number of different mutations and genes already available in the laboratory we would like to extend this study and make a much wider variety of different celluloses with altered mechanical properties that can be exploited to generate new biomaterials. This will be facilitated by exploiting recent progress in proteomics, in particular the use of proximity labelling to further our basic understanding of how plants synthesis cellulose and what determines its properties.
Eligibility
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 experience in biochemistry, molecular genetics or with an interest in biotechnology are encouraged to apply.
Before you Apply
Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.
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. For more information please visit https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/international-phd/
Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
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/
Funding Notes
References
Kumar, M., Carr, P., and Turner, S.R. (2022). An Atlas of Arabidopsis Protein S-Acylation Reveals Its Widespread Role in Plant Cell Organization and Function. Nature Plants 8, 670-681. doi:10.1038/s41477-022-01164-4
Smit, M.E., McGregor, S.R., Sun, H., Gough, C., Bagman, A.M., Soyars, C.L., Kroon, J.T., Gaudinier, A., Williams, C.J., Yang, X.Y., Nimchuk, Z.L., Weijers, D., Turner, S.R., Brady, S.M., and Etchells, J.P. (2020). A Pxy-Mediated Transcriptional Network Integrates Signaling Mechanisms to Control Vascular Development in Arabidopsis. Plant Cell 32, 319-335. doi:10.1105/tpc.19.00562
Kumar, M., Mishra, L., Carr, P., Pilling, M., Gardner, P., Mansfield, S.D., and Turner, S.R. (2018). Exploiting Cellulose Synthase (Cesa) Class-Specificity to Probe Cellulose Microfibril Biosynthesis. Plant Physiol. 177, 151-167. doi:10.1104/pp.18.00263
Wilson, T.H., Kumar, M., and Turner, S.R. (2021). The Molecular Basis of Plant Cellulose Synthase Complex Organisation and Assembly. Biochem. Soc. Trans. 49, 379-391. doi:10.1042/bst20200697
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