About the Project
This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP). The SWBio DTP is a BBSRC-funded PhD training programme in the biosciences, delivered by a consortium comprising the Universities of Bristol (lead), Bath, Cardiff and Exeter and Rothamsted Research. The SWBio DTP projects are designed to provide outstanding interdisciplinary training in a range of topics in Agriculture & Food Security and world-class Bioscience, underpinned by training in mathematics and complexity science. Each project will be supervised by an interdisciplinary team of academic staff and will follow a structured training 4-year PhD model.
Up to 4 fully-funded studentships at the University of Exeter are being offered to start in September 2017. The studentships will provide funding for a stipend (currently £14,296 per annum for 2016-17), research costs and UK/EU tuition fees at Research Council UK rates for 48 months (4 years) for full-time students, pro-rata for part-time students.
Academic Supervisors:
Main Supervisor: Dr. Michael Schrader, University of Exeter
Co-supervisor: Prof. Christiane Schaffitzel, University of Bristol
Co-supervisor: Prof. Peter Winlove, University of Exeter
Co-supervisor: Dr. Peter Petrov, University of Exeter
Co-supervisor: Dr. David Richards, University of Exeter
Collaborator: Prof. Peter Ashwin, University of Exeter
Collaborator: Prof. Ana Garcia, University of Tuebingen
Project Description:
Research on organelle membrane dynamics represents an exciting new field in modern cell biology and biomedical sciences because of its close relation to organelle functionality and its impact on developmental and physiological processes. Peroxisomes represent ideal model organelles as they have only one limiting membrane, can be easily labelled and are biochemically accessible. Vital, protective roles of peroxisomes in lipid metabolism, signalling, the combat of oxidative stress and ageing have emerged recently (Islinger & Schrader 2011, Curr Biol. 21:R800; Schrader et al. 2015, J Inherit Metab Dis 38:681). Our work has revealed that peroxisomes are extremely dynamic and can be formed from pre-existing organelles by membrane growth and division, a model which is now generally accepted (Schrader et al. 2012, BBA 1822:1343). This requires remodelling of the peroxisomal membrane, the formation of tubular membrane extensions which subsequently constrict and divide into several new peroxisomes. Defects in membrane dynamics and multiplication of peroxisomes have been linked to novel disorders involving neurodegeneration, loss of sight and deafness (Delmaghani et al. 2015, Cell 163:894). Very recently, it was discovered that peroxisome interaction with other organelles, which depends on peroxisome number and membrane protrusion, is crucial for the distribution of cholesterol within the cell, as well as for lipid breakdown and protein exchange (Chu et al. 2015, Cell 161:291; Thazar et al. 2015, PNAS 112:4158). Overall, this highlights the importance of peroxisome dynamics for cell viability and human health. Despite their importance for cell physiology and homeostasis, the membrane dynamics of peroxisomes are not well understood and a biophysical model is missing.
This multi-disciplinary project combines cutting-edge biological, biophysical and modelling approaches to understand the mechanisms, principles and functions of organelle membrane dynamics in health and disease. This work will help to predict alterations in membrane dynamics and to propose treatments for patients with defects in organelle dynamics and related dysfunctions.
For more information and details on how to apply, go to http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=2338
Funding Notes
Up to 4 fully-funded studentships at the University of Exeter are being offered to start in September 2017. The studentships will provide funding for a stipend (currently £14,296 per annum for 2016-17), research costs and UK/EU tuition fees at Research Council UK rates for 48 months (4 years) for full-time students, pro-rata for part-time students.