The sex factor: why do males and females age differently and have different lifespans? (MAKLAKOVU19DTP)

Males and females in many different species, including humans, have different longevities and rates of ageing. Despite the decades of research, we still do not know why this is the case. The leading hypothesis maintains the sexes resolve the fundamental trade-off between survival and reproduction differently. Because females produce large expensive gametes (eggs), their fitness often is limited by the amount of resources they can accumulate and, therefore, females are predicted to invest into somatic maintenance to ensure longer reproductive lifespan. On the contrary, males produce numerous cheap gametes (sperm) and are often limited only by the number of mates. Therefore, selection favours "live fast, die young" strategy in males resulting in high reproductive performance in early life followed by faster ageing relative to females. Because males and females share most of their genes, such sex-specific life-histories are likely defined by sex-specific gene expression. In this project, we will use the key model organism in genetics, Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes, to investigate how sex-specific gene expression in major molecular signalling pathways that control life-histories affects sexual maturation, mating behaviour, ageing, longevity and reproduction. You will use the power of this system to modify the targeted gene expression in young and old animals of both sexes using RNA interference and assay physiological senescence, reproductive ageing and longevity. You will test the ultimate prediction that males invest less than females in somatic maintenance when they perceive reproductive opportunities. This PhD is an opportunity to investigate one of the big questions in biology - why do we age - from the unique angle of sexual dimorphism in life-history. Please contact [Email Address Removed] for further questions about the project.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP). Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed as part of the studentship competition. Candidates will be interviewed on either the 8th, 9th or 10th January 2019.
The NRP DTP offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship (PIPS) during their study. The internship offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website: www.biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk

Project Start Date: 01/10/2019
Length of Studentship: 4 years
Mode of Study: Full-Time
Minimum Entry Requirements: UK 2:1 & Eng Lang (6.5 overall, 6 in each section)