Multimerisation of ELAV/Hu proteins – a key mechanism ensuring specificity for RNA recognition in health and disease
Not stated
- Funding
- Self-Funded PhD Students Only
- Application deadline
- Year-round applications
About the project
About the Project ELAV/Hu proteins comprise a family of highly conserved RNA binding proteins predominantly expressed in neurons where they have roles in regulating synaptic connectivity important for learning and memory. Aberrant regulation of ELAV/Hu proteins has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. In addition, a number of cancers aberrantly express ELAV/Hu proteins including glioblastoma, pancreatic, colorectal and lung cancers, but the molecular mechanisms leading to these diseases are not understood. RNA binding proteins bind short motifs. These motifs, however, are degenerate and highly redundant in the genome. How they exactly generate specificity to filter the correct targets in such a degenerate sequence space, is currently not clear, but likely includes combinatorial interactions of RNA binding proteins. We have discovered that ELAV/Hu proteins can multimerize. Now we will employ cryoEM to build a structure for multimeric ELAV complexes bound to RNA and test the role of multimerization mediated RNA recognition in neurodegeneration and cancer using a Drosophila genetic model. Eligibility Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in Molecular Genetics, Structural Biology or a related area. Candidates with experience in Structural Biology, Drosophila genetics or with an interest in mRNA processing are encouraged to apply. Before you Apply Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application. How to Apply To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Structural Biology. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester