MSc by Research: Regulation of Kinetochore function by PLK1

About the Project

Accurate partition of the duplicated genome during cell division is crucial for cellular viability and organismal development. Chromosome mis-segregation is a major source of aneuploidy and it is a hallmark of cancer, while in oocytes represents the major source of miscarriages and genetic disease. As cells enter mitosis, chromosomes undergo compaction and establish specialized connections with spindle microtubules. The connection between chromosomes and microtubules is mediated by a proteinaceous structure that associates with chromosomal DNA, called the kinetochore.

Kinetochore composition and function needs to be tightly regulated during the cell cycle and kinetochore-specific kinases and phosphatases play a central role in this regulation. In spite of advances in the identification of such kinases and phosphatases as well as their targeting mechanisms, their specific substrates and roles during mitosis are poorly understood.

One key mitotic kinase involved in kinetochore function is polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). While PLK1 plays critical roles during mitosis, how PLK1 achieves its different functions is not understood at the mechanistic level. Particularly, how PLK1 and counteracting phosphatases regulate kinetochore function through the different stages of mitosis is not clear. The aim of this research is to provide a mechanistic understanding of the chromosomal roles of PLK1 during mitosis by understanding how PLK1 phosphorylation of different kinetochore components impacts upon kinetochore function.

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

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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.

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