Novel regulators of +TIP localisation and function

Project description

Microtubules (MTs) are a key cytoskeletal network in all eukaryotic cells. MTs grow and shrink primarily through the addition or loss of tubulin heterodimers from their plus end. The +TIPs are a class of proteins that specifically localize to the growing plus end of MTs. They play important roles in most MT-dependent processes, including mitosis, migration and differentiation. As such they have been implicated in a range of human diseases and developmental disorders and could represent novel therapeutic targets. EB proteins (EB1, EB2 and EB3) form the core of many +TIP complexes, directly contacting the growing MT end and acting as a scaffold that allows other +TIPs to localize to this site. Given the key role of EB proteins in +TIP assemblies, there is great interest in defining how their localisation is regulated. We performed a small inhibitory RNA (siRNA) screen to identify genes that regulate EB1 levels at MT tips. This identified a number of hits that had not previously been implicated in EB protein function. The aim of this project is to validate these hits and functionally characterise the role of selected proteins in regulating both EB protein activity and MT function in appropriate cellular models. The work will involve cell biological and biochemical studies, giving exposure to a variety of techniques including cell culture and advanced cell imaging methods. 

Entry requirements

Applications can be made at any time. Potential applicants are welcome to contact Dr Ewan Morrison with informal enquiries about this research project.

To formally apply for this project applicants should complete a Faculty Scholarship Application form and send this alongside a full academic CV, degree transcripts (or marks so far if still studying) and degree certificates to the Faculty Graduate School. 

We also require 2 academic references to support your application. Please ask your referees to send these references on your behalf, directly by email. 

If you have already applied for other scholarships using the Faculty Scholarship Application form you do not need to complete this form again. Instead you should email to inform us you would like to be considered for this scholarship project.