About the Project
Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership
The Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP) is a BBSRC funded Doctoral Training Partnership between Coventry University, the University of Warwick, the University of Birmingham, the University of Leicester, Aston University and Harper Adams University.
Students from a wide diversity of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Projects are available for excellent students in our Research Centre for Discoveries in Life Sciences
Project Outline
The precise spatial and temporal regulation of protein function is essential for cellular homeostasis. S-acylation (commonly referred to as palmitoylation), a reversible post-translational modification in which fatty acids are dynamically attached to cysteine residues, is a key mechanism contributing to this regulation by modulating protein localisation, stability, trafficking, and activity [1]. Dysregulated S-acylation has been linked to cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, underscoring its importance in human health. S-acylation is catalysed by the ZDHHC family of S-acyltransferases and reversed by protein deacylases; however, the molecular basis of enzyme-substrate recognition, specificity, and regulation remains poorly understood [2].
This project aims to define the molecular interactions between the S-acylation machinery and its substrate proteins through an interdisciplinary approach integrating cell biology, molecular biology, chemical biology, protein biochemistry, confocal microscopy, and molecular modelling at Coventry University, together with recently developed mass spectrometry-based technologies, including carbene footprinting and native mass spectrometry, at the University of Warwick. By combining complementary functional, structural, and temporal analyses, this work will reveal how dynamic S-acylation is regulated, how enzyme-substrate specificity is achieved, and how these interactions contribute to the broader control of cellular function in health and disease.
References:
- F, S. Mesquita. et al. Mechanisms and functions of protein S-acylation. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 25, 488-509 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41580-024-00700-8
- Mejuto, L. et al. Deacylation of SNAP25 protein family isoforms reveals distinct substrate selectivities of α/β hydrolase domain (ABHD) deacylases. bioRxiv, 2026.2001.2021.700842 (2026). https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.01.21.700842
Studentship details
As an MIBTP Scholar you will join a comprehensive Training Programme that runs concurrently with your PhD.
- Full tuition fees (at UK rate)*
- A tax free annual stipend (currently £21,805 in academic year 2026-27)
- A travel/conference budget
- A generous consumables budget
- Use of a MacBook Pro for the duration of the programme.
*Coventry University will fund the difference between the UK tuition fee rate and the international tuition fee rate.
Entry criteria
- Minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average
- An adequate proficiency in English must be demonstrated by applicants whose first language is not English. The general requirement is a minimum overall IELTS Academic score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the four sections, or the TOEFL iBT test with a minimum overall score of 95 with a minimum of 21 in each of the four sections.
Find out more about Coventry University's entry criteria.
More information
In order to apply for a Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership PhD you must:
Check your eligibility.
- Complete the ED&I form, which also acts as an expression of interest in MIBTP and helps us monitor our ED&I commitments at every step of the application process
- Our academic directors and the shortlisting panel do not have access to the EDI form and will not see your EDI responses
- Complete an application form
- Review the MIBTP Data Privacy PolicyLink to understand how we process your personal data.
To find out more information, contact Katie.Choudhry@coventry.ac.uk for administrative questions.
Visit the frequently asked questions page.
Funding Notes
Tuition fees and stipend