PhD position - Sub-functionalization of a biosynthetic gene cluster in Solanaceae

Withanolides are defense metabolites produced in many plant species of the Solanaceae family. Besides their anti-microbial and anti-herbivore activity, they have been associated with multiple beneficial properties for human health. Our lab recently identified the biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) underlying their production. In our model Physalis grisea, this BGC underwent a duplication, leading to two sub-clusters that are regulated at the chromatin level for strict tissue-specific expression. We hypothesize that these two sub-clusters modulate the biosynthesis of different compounds in the below- and above-ground organs of the plant. In this project, we will employ whole-genome transcriptional and chromatin analyses to determine the regulatory factors that establish and maintain this sub-functionalization. The project comprises wet-lab and computational work. Candidates should have a training in molecular biology, genetics, or genomics; experience in working with plants is a plus. We offer a collaborative environment in an international and multi-disciplinary team.

Institute: Faculty of Biology, Genetics Unit

Subject areas/Research fields: Genetics, Botany and Plant Science

Keywords: Biosynthetic gene cluster; Chromatin; Specialized metabolites; Genome editing; Solanaceae

Name of supervisor: Prof. Dr. Claude Becker

Funding: LSM-CSC, DAAD-GSSP

Project title: Sub-functionalization of a biosynthetic gene cluster in Solanaceae

References: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2420164122, https://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/abstract/S1360-1385(24)00241-3

For further information, please contact: Prof. Dr. Claude Becker, claude.becker@lmu.de

Research group website: https://www.genetik.bio.lmu.de/research/becker/index.html

Apply: Please send your application through the online portal of the Graduate School Life Science Munich (LSM)