About the Project
Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key plant hormone that controls a wide range of processes from plant development to biotic and abiotic stress responses as plants synthesize ABA to initiate various defense mechanisms. One family of key players in this process are the ABA receptors that are members of the so-called pyrabactin resistance (PYR) and PYR-like (PYL) proteins. This diverse family of PYR/PYL proteins consists of at least 14 members in Arabidopsis that all function in ABA binding and consequent signalling. While previous structural studies of the PYL1 protein have revealed a well-conserved ABA binding pocket and a binding site for members of the 2C protein phosphatases (PP2C) responsible for signal transduction, the diverse roles of the PYL1 proteins in development are poorly understood.
We have identified a series of chemical compounds with distinct biological effects on plant growth and development that are thought to be PYL1 ligands. These compounds can be used as chemical probes to further elucidate the roles of different family members in stress response and signal transduction. Furthermore, the compounds possess the potential to control germination and development, an area of great interest to our industrial partner, Tozer Seeds, Lt. The aim of this project is to investigate the molecular basis of ligand binding using a combination of biophysical and structural methods to design and synthesize chemical compounds with improved biological activities.
For further information see the website: https://www.dur.ac.uk/biosciences/
To apply:
Please submit a full CV and covering letter directly to [Email Address Removed]
Funding Notes
This is a 4 year BBSRC iCASE studentship under the Newcastle-Liverpool-Durham DTP. The successful applicant will receive research costs, tuition fees and stipend (£14,296 for 2016-17). The PhD will start in October 2017. Applicants should have, or be expecting to receive, a 2.1 Hons degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. EU candidates must have been resident in the UK for 3 years in order to receive full support. There are 2 stages to the application process.
References
Foster, A.W., Pernil, R., Patterson, C.J., Scott, A.J.P., Pålsson, L., Pal, R., Carr, C.E., Hu, H.Q., Maroney, M.J., Chivers, P.T., Pohl, E., Robinson, N.J., “The cytoplasm sets the sensitivity of a DNA-binding metal-sensor ” Nat Chem Biol (2016) in revisions
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