PhD Studentship : Exploring how sulphur metabolism shapes the oak tree microbiome

Exploring how sulphur metabolism shapes the oak tree microbiome

Sulphur is a vital macronutrient for plant growth and resilience, as a component of amino acids and proteins, and signalling pathways involved in responses to both biotic and https://centa.ac.uk/studentship/2026-b23-exploring-how-sulphur-metabolism-shapes-the-oak-tree-microbiome/abiotic stress. Plant-associated microbiota play essential roles in the uptake of sulphur from the soil, and emerging evidence suggests that sulphur metabolism influences the composition and function of plant microbiomes. However, this phenomenon has barely been studied in tree species. In our previous microbiome analysis of oak trees across Britain (see Downie et al., 2025 BioRxiv), metagenome analysis of trees affected by the complex decline disease, Acute Oak Decline (AOD), demonstrated an increase in genes associated with sulphur utilisation in the inner stem microbiome of AOD affected trees. Bacterial canker in the stems of affected trees is a key symptom of AOD, raising the question of whether changes in sulphur chemistry drive changes in microbiome function that lead to disease development.

This project hypothesises that alterations in sulphur chemistry in oak trees affected by Acute Oak Decline (AOD) drives shifts in microbiome structure and activity, potentially by promoting the growth and virulence of pathogenic bacteria associated with stem cankers in AOD.

Project Aims:
To address this hypothesis, the PhD will explore the interplay between sulphur metabolism and microbiome dynamics in oak (Quercus robur) through the following objectives:

1. Chemical Profiling:
Characterise sulphur-containing compounds in the roots, stems, and leaves of both asymptomatic and AOD-symptomatic oak trees using ion chromatography and LC-MS.

2. Functional analysis of the oak microbiome:
Apply metagenomic and metatranscriptomic approaches to identify microbial metabolic pathways linked to sulphur metabolism within the oak microbiome.

3. In vitro functional assays:
Develop and utilise in vitro assays to assess the growth and gene expression of key microbial taxa, particularly those implicated in AOD-related stem cankers, under varying sulphur conditions.

The project will provide novel insights into how host chemistry influences plant-microbe interactions and disease progression. Understanding these mechanisms could inform new strategies for managing oak health and resilience in the face of emerging tree diseases.

For further information on this project and details of how to apply to it please visit https://centa.ac.uk/studentship/2026-b23-exploring-how-sulphur-metabolism-shapes-the-oak-tree-microbiome/

Further information on how to apply for a CENTA studentship can be found on the CENTA website: https://centa.ac.uk/apply/

Funding notes:
This project is offered through the CENTA3 DLA, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Funding covers: annual stipend, tuition fees (at home-fee level), Research Training Support Grant.

Academic requirements: at least a 2:1 at UK BSc level or a pass at UK MSc level or equivalent.

Further information: https://centa.ac.uk/apply/

International students are eligible for studentships to a maximum of 30% of the cohort. Funding does not cover any additional costs relating to moving or residing in the UK. International applicants must fulfil the University of Birmingham’s international student entry requirements, including English language.  Further information: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgt/requirements-pgt/international/index.aspx.

References:
Herschbach, C. and Rennenberg, H., 2001. Sulfur nutrition of deciduous trees. Naturwissenschaften, 88(1), pp.25–36. https://doi.org/10.1007/s001140000200

Denman, S. et al, 2018. Microbiome and infectivity studies reveal complex polyspecies tree disease in Acute Oak Decline. The ISME Journal, 12, pp.386–399. https://doi.org/10.1038/ismej.2017.170

Downie, J., Ordonez, A., Cambon, M.C., Hussain, U., Brown, N., Beckmann, M., Finch, J., Draper, J., Denman, S. and McDonald, J.E., 2025. [Preprint] Environment and disease have tissue-specific effects on the tree microbiome. bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.15.670310

Advert information