The brain is full of microtubules. These important structures are essential for directing trafficking of proteins, organelles and RNA from the cell body to the synapses and back again. However, the tubulin isoforms that make up microtubules are diverse, and contain many different types of post-translational modifications (PTMs), the so-called ‘tubulin code’. This large tubulin diversity must be important for neuronal function, but it is unclear why and how. The goal of this project is to use novel tools (small non-antibody binding proteins called ‘Affimers’) that specifically recognise tubulin isoforms and/or PTMs to understand how tubulin diversity contributes to neuronal function. The project will use a range of techniques, from protein expression and purification, to super-resolution microscopy, in vitro imaging assays and Cryo-EM, to investigate the structure of pure tubulin isoforms.
White Rose BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership in Mechanistic Biology
4 year fully-funded programme of integrated research and skills training, starting Oct 2019:
• Research Council Stipend
• UK/EU Tuition Fees
• Conference allowance
• Research Costs
Requirements:
At least a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent. We welcome students with backgrounds in biological, chemical or physical sciences, or mathematical backgrounds with an interest in biological questions.
EU candidates require 3 years of UK residency in order to receive full studentship
Not all projects advertised will be funded; the DTP will appoint a limited number of candidates via a competitive process.
For more information and to apply, click here
