Coupling Transcription and Translation in Eukaryotes

About the Project

Gene expression is traditionally described as a linear pathway, with transcription and RNA processing in the nucleus and translation confined to the cytoplasm. However, emerging evidence challenges this view, suggesting that translation-related processes may occur within the nucleus.

This PhD project will investigate how transcription and translation are functionally coupled, with the aim of revisiting the concept of mRNA surveillance. Rather than acting solely as a degradation pathway, we hypothesise that ribosomes scanning nascent transcripts function as a screening mechanism to identify productive protein-coding mRNAs, thereby contributing to mRNA definition within the nucleus.

The work builds on research from the laboratory of Saverio Brogna, including studies showing that RNA surveillance factors such as UPF1 associate with transcripts co-transcriptionally and regulate mRNA release from gene loci.

Key questions include:

• How are transcription and translation mechanistically coupled?
• Do ribosomes scan nascent transcripts in the nucleus?
• Can translation-related processes distinguish productive mRNAs from non-productive RNA species?

The project will use both Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Drosophila melanogaster. These complementary systems enable the same fundamental question to be addressed in evolutionarily distant eukaryotes, ensuring that findings reflect conserved principles of gene expression.

The project combines molecular genetics, RNA biology, and computational analysis, with training in CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing, RNA purification and RNA-seq, and bioinformatic analysis of transcriptomic data.

The successful candidate will join a research environment focused on fundamental mechanisms of RNA biology, with broad relevance across eukaryotes and implications for gene regulation and disease.

Applicants with backgrounds in molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or computational biology are encouraged to apply. Full training will be provided.

Funding Notes

This PhD project is open to self-funded applicants only. Candidates must secure external funding (e.g. national scholarships, government sponsorships, or international fellowships) prior to application.

References

Brogna, S., Sato, T.A. & Rosbash, M. (2002) Molecular Cell
Singh, A. et al. (2019) eLife 8: e41444
Recent work: Nucleic Acids Research (PMID: 34928380)