Understanding antiviral stress granule (AVG) formation to develop a broad spectrum antiviral therapy (POWELLU17DTP)

The recent outbreaks of harmful viruses such as Zika virus and Chikungunya virus around the world have shown the need for rapid and effective antiviral therapies. Even when vaccines are available, they take time to work, they are virus specific and they are expensive and time-consuming to administer. In this project, we will investigate how viruses are sensed by activation of the stress response in cells and try to identify small molecule inhibitors of stress which may act as a potent anti-viral drugs common to all types of virus. The stress response forms cytoplasmic protein aggregates called stress granules to halt protein translation and hence virus replication. Viruses have evolved strategies to overcome these granules, but recently a new type of antiviral granule (AVG) has been identified that we hope to exploit. In this project you will characterize AVGs using confocal live cell imaging, proteomic and translatome analysis. You will use high throughput DNA sequencing and bioinformatic techniques to identify global cell gene expression to find out important aways to amplify the antiviral response in cells.

The project will take place in the Biomedical Research Center at UEA and the Earlham Institute on Norwich Research Park. You will have access to state of the art facilities of confocal microscopes, next generation DNA sequencing methods and machines, and modern fully equipped laboratories. There is a large community of PGR students around Norwich Research Park and a wide number of opportunities for personal and professional development.

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