Genetic mechanisms of nutrition sensing and photosynthesis.

About the Project

How a cell determines its fate is a fundamental question in Biology. A differentiated somatic plant cell can be triggered to regain its pluripotency. Kalanchoë (Mother of thousands) species propagate asexually by forming ectopic plantlets. During plantlet formation, somatic cells in the leaf margin change their cell fate and regain pluripotency to form plantlets. However, many of the underlying molecular and genetic mechanisms (s) and cues triggering such a cell fate change during plantlet initiation remain elusive.

The main aim of this project is to unravel the molecular genetic mechanisms involved in the plantlet initiation. Specifically, you will investigate the role of the nutrition-sensing master regulator, TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN (TOR), during this process. First, you will determine when and where TOR plays a key role in sensing the available nutrition, using a combination of state-of-the-art technologies. Then you will investigate the role of TOR during plantlet formation and nutrition-sensing by inhibiting the TOR pathway in different environmental conditions. You will also investigate the efficiency of photosynthesis in these conditions. Furthermore, you will investigate how nutrient supply, primarily sugars as the products of photosynthesis, is sensed by TOR and affects plantlet formation. The multidisciplinary approaches used in this project will deliver novel insights into how biochemical, biophysical and specific molecular components cooperate to trigger pluripotency and initiate plantlet development, which can be used to explain broader developmental processes. As such, this project will provide a broad training in cutting-edge techniques in plant molecular sciences and allow you to make a substantive contribution to important developmental processes underlying food security.

Eligibility

Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a related area/subject. A life science undergraduate/master’s degree in disciplines such as plant sciences, biochemistry, cell biology or genetics. Candidates with experience in non-model plant species or with an interest in biotechnology/ improving crops 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 Genetics or Plant Sciences 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