complexes with each other to carry out their roles within the body. Deepening our understanding of how cells work in health and disease requires us to measure which proteins are present in cells, in what amounts, and how they interact. Comparing how proteins behave in healthy versus diseased cells is vital for discovering new drug therapies.
This PhD project aims to 1) develop a rapid and robust method to characterize protein interaction networks in cells, and 2) apply this novel approach to study protein interaction dynamics during cell cycle entry and cellular senescence.
Aim 1. The first two years of the PhD student will combine native protein chromatography, including size exclusion and ion exchange chromatography, LC-MS/MS-based proteomics, and deep learning-driven structural modelling to establish a novel pipeline for rapid analysis of cellular protein interaction networks. The student will gain expertise in the latest Orbitrap Astral technology, which enables high throughput analysis of proteomes.
Aim 2. The student will apply the pipeline to characterize the dynamic evolution of protein interaction networks during a regulated physiological process. The quiescence-to-proliferation state switch is crucial for tissue renewal and organismal homeostasis and frequently dysregulated in human disease (e.g., cancer). Aging is associated with cellular senescence, a pro-inflammatory phenotype characterised by cell cycle withdrawal. In years 3 and 4, the student will apply the novel proteomic technology to characterize how protein interaction networks dynamically evolve during cell cycle entry in human cells and in senescence.
The candidate will have opportunities to gain expertise in proteomics, 'big data' analysis and mechanisms of cell cycle control. Making use of cutting-edge mass spectrometry instrumentation available at the University of Dundee and the expertise of the host laboratories, the PhD student will be well positioned to advance the state-of-the-art in protein analysis.
Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.
How to Apply
Please see the University of Dundee programme page for more information on how to apply: BBSRC EASTBIO Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) Studentship | University of Dundee, UK
Funding Notes
This 4-year PhD project is funded by EastBio BBSRC Doctoral Landscape Award. The programme involves a mandatory training programme including a 3 month placement.
This opportunity is open to UK and International students and provides funding to cover stipend at UKRI standard rate and UK level tuition fees. The University of Dundee will cover the Home-International fee difference.
