About the Project
How does the environment shape the architecture of genomes? The environment plays a key role in shaping gene regulatory networks (GRNs), with natural selection able to make adjustments to specific interactions. However, we do not yet understand the evolutionary processes that create and constrain opportunities for GRN adaptation and expansion. My research takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining experimental evolution with molecular genetic manipulations, bioinformatics and protein modelling to address central evolutionary questions within the context of GRN evolution.
As networks evolve and expand they incorporate new genes with new functions. Natural selection will shape these interactions, resulting in gene networks that are most suited to the environment that the organism evolved in. As such, different environments have the potential to rewire gene networks differently, as different interactions will be advantageous in some environments and disadvantageous in others. In this way, the environment can create and constrain opportunities for new interactions to evolve. In this project, we will directly test this theory by evolving bacteria in real-time to explore how the environment can shape gene interactions, gene networks and genomes.
To investigate we will use bacteria, which can be easily stored and genetically manipulated in the laboratory. Their rapid generation times and large population sizes means evolution can occur very quickly. Plus, understanding what shapes the evolution of gene networks in simple organisms will provide greater insight into the overarching principles that may drive the evolution of all gene networks. Answering these big questions in biology will deepen our understanding of how complex organisms evolve and how life copes with environmental change.
Location: This project will be conducted under the direct supervision of Dr Tiffany Taylor with co-supervision from Dr Susanne Gebhard and based at the Department of Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Bath (UK) in the new Milner Centre for Evolution (http://www.bath.ac.uk/groups/milner-centre-for-evolution/). The Milner Centre is a new research centre focused on doing ground breaking research that addresses major questions in evolutionary biology. The Milner Genomics Centre provides on-site facilities and expertise for genome sequencing and analysis for evolution research, and the world-class researchers at the centre creates a vibrant research culture that ensures support and training for the next generation of evolutionary biologist.
Requirements: This is a fully-funded 3.5-year PhD studentship. We are looking for a biology graduate who has a strong interest in microbiology, molecular biology and evolution. Some practical experience in microbial molecular techniques is highly desired, but additional training will be provided. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, highly motivated, independent, have experience in microbiology, molecular biology or evolutionary biology (or a combination), and have a relevant degree. The applicant must meet the standard University of Bath English language requirements, details of which can be found here: http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/english-language/index.html
Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Biology:
https://samis.bath.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RDUBB-FP02&code2=0012
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found here:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-study/
Planned start date: 4 February 2019 (3.5 years funding)
Applications may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found, therefore early applications are strongly recommended.
For informal enquiries please contact Dr Tiffany Taylor at: [Email Address Removed]
References
1. Taylor, T. B., Mulley, G., Dills, A. H., Alsohim, A. S., McGuffin, L. J., Studholme, D. J., Silby, M. W.,Brockhurst, M. A., Johnson, L. J. and Jackson, R. W. (2015). Evolutionary resurrection of flagellar motility via rewiring of the nitrogen regulation system. Science, 347 (6225), 1014-1017.
2. Jenkins, D. J., & Stekel, D. J. (2010). De novo evolution of complex, global and hierarchical gene regulatory mechanisms. Journal of molecular evolution, 71 (2), 128-140.
3. Merhej, V., Royer-Carenzi, M., Pontarotti, P., & Raoult, D. (2009). Massive comparative genomic analysis reveals convergent evolution of specialized bacteria. Biology direct, 4(1), 13.
4. Taylor, T. B., Mulley, G., McGuffin, L. J., Johnson, L. J., Brockhurst, M. A., Arseneault, T., Silby, M. W. & Jackson, R. W. (2015). Evolutionary rewiring of bacterial regulatory networks. Microbial Cell Factories, 2 (7), 256-258.
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