BACKGROUND

At the Dunn Human Nutrition Unit we study the fundamental mechanisms underlying nutrition, and the influence of nutrients on health and longevity. In particular, we study the biochemistry of the mitochondrion. As well as its vital role in cellular energy metabolism, the mitochondrion participates in many other cellular processes essential for life, including apoptosis. In addition,
mitochondrial defects are recognised to contribute to degenerative diseases, cancer and aging.

http://www.mrc-dunn.cam.ac.uk/people/robinson_alan/

RESPONSIBILITIES

Depending on the candidate's interests and experience:

Project 1: Comparative genomics to study mitochondrial metabolism and bioenergetics

Comparative genomics includes the computational analysis of coding and regulatory DNA sequences from multiple genomes to identify patterns of similarity conserved during evolution and that constitute functional elements responsible for the regulated expression of genes and the targetting of proteins.

This project will develop and apply computational comparative genomics techniques to understand the evolution, targetting and regulation of nuclear-encoded genes that participate in mitochondrial biochemical and bioenergetic processes. Of particular interest will be the mitochondrial carrier family, which are required for the translocation of metabolites between the matrix and cytosol. Whilst some of these carriers have been characterised and shown to be vital for essential biochemical pathways, the role of many others is unknown.

OR

Project 2: Designing inhibitors of mitochondrial proteins

The involvement of the mitochondrion in many vital cellular processes makes its proteins an attractive proposition for structural studies. Such studies frequently require an inhibitory small molecule to stabilise the protein.

This project will incorporate comparative modelling of protein targets, virtual compound screening and in silico lead optimisation in order to identify candidate inhibitory molecules of mitochondrial proteins. The project will require the development and refinement of techniques for the application of these methods to membrane proteins. In the first stage of the project, the focus
will be on designing inhibitors to members of the mitochondrial carrier family.

REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate should have a degree in the chemical or life sciences, as well as some bioinformatics / computational biology experience, e.g. an MSc or MRes.

LOCALE: Cambridge, UK

COMPENSATION

See http://www.mrc-dunn.cam.ac.uk/careers/phd.php

HOW TO APPLY

Applications to Mrs. Penny Peck

DEADLINE

Applications accepted all year.