MSc by Research: Identifying microbiota responsible for longevity and health

Dr Varsha Singh

Applications accepted all year round

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

About the Project

Gut microbiome is the community of microbes living together in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal. They provide specific functions to the animal host such as digestion of cellulose and protection from invading pathogens. Large scale sequencing analyses have led to identification of several bacteria, some archaea and fungi in various animals including humans. It is not clear if various microbes are differentially beneficial. This can be examined by studying secondary metabolites produced by the microbiotas and their impact of stress response and life span. In this MRes research project, we will identify volatiles organic compounds (VOCs or odours) produced by 20 microbiota species, isolated from young and ageing mice, by Gas Chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Subsequently we will test the impact of individual microbial tax on life span in Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans is tremendously powerful animal model for longevity studies due to relatively shorter life span of 3 weeks, genetic tractability as well as availability of long- and short-lived strains.

The student will acquire training in microbiology, C. elegans maintenance, GC-MS analysis of individual bacteria and complex samples such as mouse faeces. The student will be provided additional training in scientific writing, statistics and data management made available from the doctoral Academy. The student will also receive mentoring support during career transition.

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.