About the Project
The urgency for characterising and modulating the molecular pathways associated with ageing and age-associated diseases is growing as lifespan is increasing at a much faster rate than healthspan. Ageing is a complex physiological process that leads to decline in biological functions, increase susceptibility to diseases and eventually death. It has been suggested that the rate and severity of the ageing process is partly regulated and driven by changes in the epigenome (epigenetic drift). The epigenome, a set of heritable chemical changes to an organism’s genome that modify gene expression but do not change the DNA sequence itself, is malleable and responsive to external factors. Perturbations in epigenetic processes determine different aspects of ageing, both at the cellular and organism level, as well as etiology and pathogenesis of age-related diseases. Therefore, the degree and direction of the epigenetic drift, and subsequently the ageing process, can alter depending on the type and severity of the external stressors (1). Crucially an epigenetic profile, based on DNA methylation, has now been reported that accurately reflects subject age and can be used to determine biological versus chronological age (2). Thus, we hypothesise that certain stressors can accelerate the rate at which epigenetic drift occurs, resulting in premature ageing of a range of body systems. Therefore, the aim of this project is to achieve a better understanding of how variation in methylation levels of genes can alter the ageing process and lifespan. Identifying the key network of genes and regulatory elements that change in their methylation levels effect ageing rate will offer an innovative route to modulate ageing. To achieve this, we will use the clonal model organism Daphnia pulex (3). Using Daphnia and approaches such as Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS), we can develop a mapping panel where epialleles can be linked to certain biomarkers and phenotypes of ageing. This will result in identifying epigenetic regulators of ageing and longevity. The developed model will be used for testing new interventions designed to improve quality of life. Ultimately, it will result in developing an epigenomics mapping resource that can be used to understand the basis of epigenetically driven complex traits.
Key experimental and computational skills involved in the project include: Epigenomics, transcriptomics, computational biology, statistics, analysis of high throughput sequencing data, modelling, telomere length analysis.
We seek an exceptional candidate with a Life Sciences undergraduate degree, or Master’s degree (can be pending) with the latter in fields such as bioinformatics or epigenetics, but also ageing. Knowledge of Bioinformatics resources, programming and analysis of high throughput sequencing data will be an advantage.
Funding Notes
All applicants should indicate in their applications how they intend to fund their studies. We have a thriving community of international PhD students and encourage applications at any time from students able to find their own funding or who wish to apply for their own funding (e.g. Commonwealth Scholarship, Islamic Development Bank).
The postgraduate funding database provides further information on funding opportunities available View Website and further information is also available on the School of Biosciences website View Website.
We strongly encourage presubmission enquiries. To enquire send a cover letter and CV to [Email Address Removed] .
Continue with Facebook
