Ubiquitin Signalling in Ageing and Age-Related Disease: The Interplay of Genetics, Lifestyle, and Environment

About the Project

Project Overview

Ageing leads to a progressive decline in essential cellular processes, including protein production, folding, and degradation. As these systems become less efficient, misfolded proteins and damaged organelles accumulate, contributing to tissue decline and age‑related disorders. A key regulator of protein quality control is the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS), which labels proteins for degradation or modulates their activity. Although the UPS plays a vital role in maintaining cellular health, how its activity changes with age, and how different tissues regulate UPS function, remains poorly understood.

This PhD project aims to uncover how the UPS protects the ageing proteome and how its function is influenced by genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. You will investigate how disease‑associated variants, diet, exercise, the microbiome, or environmental stressors such as microplastics shape UPS activity and contribute to susceptibility to age‑related diseases. These may include neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as metabolic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, where disrupted protein homeostasis is increasingly recognised as a contributing factor.

Using a multidisciplinary approach, you will combine bioinformatics, molecular biology, cell‑based assays, and organismal models to identify mechanisms that support or impair UPS function during ageing. The long‑term goal is to discover strategies that maintain protein homeostasis and extend healthspan, the years lived in good health.

This project offers broad research training across molecular, cellular, and systems‑level biology, preparing the student for a future career in ageing research, neurobiology, or biomedical science.

Kevei research group:

The Kevei group investigates ageing and age‑related diseases using C. elegans and cellular models, focusing on genetic models of human neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. The group is also interested in examining how host–microbiome interactions and environmental pollutants like microplastics influence disease processes. Our research integrates molecular, physiological and behavioural approaches within a supportive, collaborative team of PhD, Masters and undergraduate researchers.

School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, provides world-class research education programs. The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 120 hectares of beautiful parkland, a 30-minute train ride to central London and 40 minutes from London Heathrow airport.

Our School of Biological Sciences conducts high-impact research, tackling current global challenges faced by society and the planet. Our research ranges from understanding and improving human health and combating disease, through to understanding evolutionary processes and uncovering new ways to protect the natural world. In 2020, we moved into a stunning new ~£60 million Health and Life Sciences. This state-of-the-art facility is purpose-built for science research and teaching. It houses the Cole Museum of Zoology, a café and social spaces.

In the School of Biological Sciences, you will be joining a vibrant community of ~180 PhD students representing ~40 nationalities. Our students publish in high-impact journals, present at international conferences, and organise a range of exciting outreach and public engagement activities.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision in one-to-one and small group sessions. You will have access to cutting-edge technology and learn the latest research techniques. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. If English is not your first language, the University's excellent International Study and Language Institute will help you develop your academic English skills.

The University of Reading is a welcoming community for people of all faiths and cultures. We are committed to a healthy work-life balance and will work to ensure that you are supported personally and academically.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have a good degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent) in Biology or a strongly-related discipline. Applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional courses that can help with meeting these requirements. With a commitment to improving diversity in science and engineering, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Biological Sciences via our online application system.

Further information:

https://www.reading.ac.uk/biological-sciences/research

Enquiries:

Dr. Eva Kevei, email: e.g.kevei@reading.ac.uk

Funding Notes

We welcome applications from self-funded students worldwide for this project.
If you are applying to an international funding scheme, we encourage you to get in contact as we may be able to support you in your application.