Visualising How Cells Regulate Protein Synthesis During Stress
Not stated
- Location
- Manchester, United Kingdom
- Funding
- Self-Funded PhD Students Only
- Application deadline
- Year-round applications
About the project
About the Project How do cells decide when and how much of each protein to make? This PhD project will investigate this fundamental question by studying the integrated stress response, a pathway that allows cells to adapt when conditions change. Our work focuses on eIF2B, a key protein synthesis factor that forms large, dynamic, membraneless structures called eIF2B bodies. These bodies move within cells and help control translation, especially during cell stress, but we still do not know why they form, what other molecules are found there, or how their molecular organisation supports their function. The student will use cell biology, structural biology and biochemistry to investigate eIF2B body composition, structure and dynamics. They will learn fluorescence microscopy, cryogenic sample preparation, focused ion beam milling and cryogenic electron tomography to visualise molecular organisation directly inside cells, complemented by in vitro assembly assays, mass photometry and mass spectrometry. Because mutations in eIF2B cause vanishing white matter disease, and altered stress-response signalling is linked to other neurodegenerative conditions, the project connects curiosity-driven molecular biology with disease-relevant questions in human health. Eligibility Candidates are expected to hold, or be about to obtain, a minimum upper second-class undergraduate honours degree, or equivalent, in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, cell biology or a related subject area. Research experience in protein biochemistry, membrane protein purification, structural biology or biophysical spectroscopy is desirable. 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 Biochemistry Programme. 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