Development of a rapid, sensitive and non-invasive vitamin B assay

Supervisor/s: Profs Martin Warren and Mark Smales

Project:
Vitamin B12 plays diverse roles in the biology of prokaryotes, including newly defined activities in reductive dehalogenation and non-enzymatic functions such as light-sensitive control of gene expression. The biosynthesis of B12 involves up to 30 different enzyme-mediated steps and only occurs in bacteria. Thus, most eukaryotes require an external source of B12, and yet it appears to have only two functions in eukaryotes: as a cofactor for the enzymes methionine synthase and methylmalonylCoA mutase. These two functions are crucial for normal health in humans, and in particular, the formation of methionine is essential for providing methyl groups for over one hundred methylation processes. Interference with the methionine synthase reaction not only depletes the body of methyl groups but also leads to the accumulation of homocysteine, a risk factor for many diseases. The syndrome pernicious anaemia, characterised by lack of intrinsic factor, leads to a severe, sometimes fatal form of B12 deficiency. However, there is no sharp cut-off for B12 deficiency; rather, there is a continuous inverse relationship between serum B12 and a variety of undesirable outcomes, including neural tube defects, stroke and dementia. The brain is particularly vulnerable; in children, inadequate B12 stunts brain and intellectual development. Suboptimal B12 status (serum B12 < 300 pmol/L) is very common, occurring in 30-60% of the population, in particular in pregnant women and in less-developed countries. Thus, many tens of millions of people in the world may suffer harm from having a poor B12 status and there is a requirement for a sensitive and rapid assay system to monitor B12 levels.

The aim of this project is to develop a lateral-flow strip assay for B12 using small volumes of blood. In this project we will work with Mologic to help enhance this lateral-flow assay system so that B12 levels can accurately and rapidly be evaluated. The project will involve the development and characterisation of vitamin B12 binding proteins and will provide a broad training to the student in the area of biochemistry and immunology.

THE CANDIDATE:
The successful candidate is expected to be a highly motivated student. He/she will be expected to have a minimum of an upper 2nd class degree in an appropriate field. Informal enquiries can be addressed to: Prof Martin Warren: [Email Address Removed]

HOW TO APPLY:
Applications can be made using the online University application page: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/how-to-apply/
where the project title should be entered as the proposed area of research and Prof Martin Warren as supervisor. Please include a CV and a cover letter. Applications must be received by 20 June 2018.