Back to search results

PhD Studentship: Function Follows (iso)Form: Exploring Functional Diversity of Isoform Expression in Single Cells

University of East Anglia - Earlham Institute / Biological Sciences

Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Norwich
Funding for: UK Students, EU Students
Funding amount: Not Specified
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 15th March 2023
Closes: 17th April 2023
Reference: MACAULAY_E21DTPR

Single-cell gene expression analysis has the power to resolve the multitude of cell types that comprise a complex biological system.

The majority of genes have the potential to be alternatively spliced into more than one isoform, with different isoforms of the same gene encoding distinct proteins with distinct functions. We hypothesise that this diversity in isoform expression, unseen in most single-cell analyses, is one way that individual cells can become functionally heterogeneous.

This project will explore the diversity of isoform expression in the mouse haematopoietic system, with the aim of identifying functionally heterogeneous isoforms and their pattern of expression within individual cells. Using long-read sequencing, we have demonstrated that alternative splicing is prevalent in many of the key genes involved in blood cell development. However, the diversity of expression of these isoforms is completely unexplored in individual cells. Preliminary data from our lab suggests that single blood stem cells can express several isoforms of a gene simultaneously, including those with potentially antagonistic functions. It is these functionally meaningful alternative splicing events we wish to study in this project.

Using a range of techniques, including FACS, single-cell genomics, next generation short- and long- read sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, the student will focus on the identification of functionally consequential isoform expression within individual blood stem and progenitor cells. The functional effect of the isoform expression will then be studied through genome editing to remove exons and force cells to express specific sets of isoforms, then monitoring the cell's response through gene expression, in vitro and in vivo assays.

Based in the Macaulay lab at the Earlham Institute and in collaboration with the Haerty (EI) and Rushworth (UEA MED) groups, the student will receive extensive training in experimental and computational biology, developing a broad and transferrable expertise in cellular genomics.

The Norwich Research Park (NRP) Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) is offering fully-funded studentships for October 2023 entry.

The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme.

You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers.

All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development.

Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed either on 16th or 17th May 2023. 

Please note that all international awards have been made for our programme for 2023 so we will not be accepting applications from international candidates, as defined by UKRI’s guidance on International Eligibility criteria for UKRI funded studentships - View Website*

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.

PRIMARY SUPERVISOR: Dr Iain Macaulay

We value your feedback on the quality of our adverts. If you have a comment to make about the overall quality of this advert, or its categorisation then please send us your feedback
Advert information

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):

PhD tools
 

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Ok Ok

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Account Verification Missing

In order to create multiple job alerts, you must first verify your email address to complete your account creation

Request verification email Request verification email

jobs.ac.uk Account Required

In order to create multiple alerts, you must create a jobs.ac.uk jobseeker account

Create Account Create Account

Alert Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your account is currently blocked. Please login to unblock your account.

Email Address Blocked

We received a delivery failure message when attempting to send you an email and therefore your email address has been blocked. You will not receive job alerts until your email address is unblocked. To do so, please choose from one of the two options below.

Max Alerts Reached

A maximum of 5 Job Alerts can be created against your account. Please remove an existing alert in order to create this new Job Alert

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your alert was not created at this time. Please try again.

Ok Ok

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

 
 
 
More PhDs from University of East Anglia

Show all PhDs for this organisation …

More PhDs like this
Join in and follow us

Browser Upgrade Recommended

jobs.ac.uk has been optimised for the latest browsers.

For the best user experience, we recommend viewing jobs.ac.uk on one of the following:

Google Chrome Firefox Microsoft Edge