About the Project
How does our genome ensure that the right genes are expressed in the right cells and at the right time during development? Although much of this control is encoded in non-coding, cis -regulatory elements, we still lack the ability to predict how regulatory DNA contributes to precise gene expression outputs. Recent work has shown that surprisingly small changes in regulatory sequence can switch an element from repressing gene expression to activating it, suggesting that important regulatory…
behaviours may be encoded by simple sequence rules.
This transdisciplinary PhD project will combine quantitative experiments with mathematical modelling to investigate how DNA sequence features tune the timing, level and duration of gene expression. Using embryonic stem cell models of development in the Metzis lab, you will generate perturbation data and use it to build and test mechanistic models of regulatory function with the Perez-Carrasco lab. The aim is to uncover the sequence rules that determine regulatory behaviour and use them to predict how changes in DNA alter gene expression. You will then explore whether these regulatory principles are more widely used across the genome and investigate their relevance in humans by leveraging population genetics datasets and expertise in the Ware lab.
By revealing principles that link regulatory sequence to dynamic gene expression, your findings will advance our understanding of developmental gene regulation and help improve interpretation of non-coding variation in the human genome.
To apply for this project please follow the application instructions provided on the LMS website (https://lms.mrc.ac.uk/work-and-study/studentships/lms-4-year-phd-studentships/) and submit an application form by the deadline. 'Registering your interest' below will not be considered an application.
Funding Notes
This studentship covers all tuition fees as well as a tax free stipend amounting to £26,500pa paid directly to the student in monthly instalments.
The funding is available for both Home and Overseas students.
