Department of Biochemistry Studentship: Revealing the function of unconventional trypanosome kinetochore proteins

We study the kinetochore, the macromolecular protein complex that assembles onto centromeric DNA and interacts with spindle microtubules during mitosis. We recently discovered an unconventional class of kinetochore proteins in Trypanosoma brucei. We are currently trying to reveal their functions using a variety of techniques ranging from cell biology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, biophysics, advanced microscopy to structural biology. By understanding how trypanosomes segregate their chromosomes, we aim to understand fundamental principles of the eukaryotic segregation machinery. We are also working towards targeting the unique kinetochore proteins for novel therapeutics against sleeping sickness and leishmaniasis.