MSc by Research: Greasing plant cell signalling – the role of S-acylation in plant receptor cytoplasmic kinase signalling during immune responses

About the Project

Protein S-acylation is a reversible fatty acid-based post-translational modification of proteins. We have demonstrated that S-acylation affects nearly half of all membrane proteins, is a dynamic modification (cycles on and off to control protein activity or function) and impacts every aspect of plant growth and development. BIK1 is part of a large family of S-acylated proteins in plants mediating almost all effects downstream of receptor kinases, the main proteins that perceive pathogens, symbionts, signalling peptides, hormones and cell wall status in plants. This makes understanding BIK1 function critical to elucidating how plants respond to and integrate environmental information to grow and survive, particularly in a changing climate. We recently discovered that BIK1 is dynamically S-acylated and inhibiting signal perception induced de-S-acylation delays activation of the BIK1 receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase in response to pathogen perception.

This project aims to perform the initial characterization of how BIK1 S-acylation dynamics, together with phosphorylation and ubiquitination, change and interact to regulate BIK1 activation states and signaling outcomes.

You will use biochemistry, chemical biology and plant physiology to address these aims. You will learn plant culture and physiology, molecular biology and plant transformation (cloning, stable and transient transformation of plants), protein biochemistry (SDS-PAGE, western blotting, S-acylation assays, click chemistry, protein affinity/immuno purification and pull downs).

You will join a well-resourced international team of plant biologists, biochemists, chemists and computation biologists addressing a wide range of plant focused problems. Projects will be based at the James Hutton Institute and University of Dundee, providing a community of over 300 plant scientists and 700 life scientists, together with cutting edge facilities.

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Piers Hemsley (pahemsley@dundee.ac.uk) in advance of application.

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.

Please see our website for further details on the programme and how to apply: Life Sciences MSc by Research MSc by Research (Postgraduate) : Study : University of Dundee

Please note before submitting your application that you must list your top three project choices in the Research Proposal section of the application form.

When you complete your application form, you should include your top 3 project choices, 2 letters of reference, uploaded under "Other Information" > "Supporting documents" and a personal statement. Failure to do so will delay your application.

Please note when submitting an application, please note our intake deadlines on the ‘how to apply’ section of our website.