Characterising the structure of the plant defence gene expression network (MACLEANS17DTP)

The long-term objective of this project is to facilitate the discovery of novel sources of plant resistance to disease by understanding the control of gene expression and the structure of the response network.

A major biological question is how plants control the expression of genes to defend against infection. The central hypothesis of this research project is that modular transcriptional regulatory networks integrate varied signals and that the structure of these networks creates a computational layer that is a central mechanism in the control of gene expression. This layer can ultimately be manipulated to improve resistance.

The overall aims of the project are:
1) Identify the major co-regulating transcription factors and their candidate binding sites and targets during the defence response
2) Develop a predicted in silico network of regulation and predict likely useful TF candidates for future in vivo and in planta experiments including direct binding site and methylation status.
3) To further characterise the temporal granularity of structural changes in the Arabidopsis transcriptional network and reveal the coarse structure of the system.

In this project you will work in a bioinformatics team closely with experienced Post Docs, learn or apply programming and data science skills including Python, Javascript and Unix to mine large gene expression data sets and databases. You will use the latest bioinformatics tools for gene expression estimates and learn to cross-reference online databases in a computational way using the latest web programming techniques. You will apply statistical and mathematical approaches to integrating different data sources into a single network and apply graph theoretical approaches to study a large network.

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 10th, 11th or 12th January 2017.
The Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) 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