Ciência sem Fronteiras (Science Without Borders)
PhD Project Template:
PI name & contact details:
TEWFIK SOULIMANE, tewfik.soulimane@ul.ie
Department
CHEMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Has project been agreed with head (or
nominee) of proposed registration school?
Research Centre / group affiliation:
MATERIALS AND SURFACE SCIENCE INSTITUTE/MEMBRANE
PROTEIN STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
Research group / centre website:
PI website / link to CV:
Brief summary of PI research / research group / centre activity (2 or 3 lines max):
The PI research group is involved in the structural and functional investigation of various membrane
proteins. Our aim to obtain high-resolution crystal structures to facilitate understanding of basic
biochemical processes such as bioenergetics and ion transport.
Title & brief description of PhD project (suitable for publication on web):
TITLE: CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC AND FUNCTIONAL STUDIES OF ATYPICAL ZINC TRANSPORTER
Abstract: Recently, we have identified a zinc transporter from the marine bacterium Maricaulis
maris. This transporter, unlike its typical homologues, does not possess a C-terminal domain which
has been implicated in the zinc transport. However, it contains several residues that could
potentially bind zinc. The project would involve protein purification of wild type and several
mutants, protocols for which are already established, and their crystallisation for structural analysis.
These mutants would also be characterised for zinc binding using isothermal calorimetry titration
(ITC).
References: Russell, D. & Soulimane, T. (2012) FEBS Lett, doi:10.1016/j.febslet.2012.10.043;
Russell et al. (2012) Prot Expr Purif 85: 173-180
Unique selling points of PhD project in UL:
As a member of the research group, the prospective applicant would be part of the interdisciplinary research
themes of the MSSI. The applicant would also have the opportunity to perform work with the PI’s network of
collaborators around Europe. The PI has an extensive experience in membrane protein crystallography (recent
structure of caa3-oxidase in Nature journal) and biophysical techniques (solution state FTIR, EPR, ITC).
Name & contact details for project queries, if different from PI named above:
Please indicate the graduates of which disciplines that should apply:
PROTEIN BIOCHEMISTRY, STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
Please indicate whether students can apply for:
Sandwich programme only
Full PhD programme only
Either of the above
X
Ciência sem Fronteiras / Science Without Borders Priority Area:
Please indicate the specific programme priority area under which the proposed PhD project fits- choose only
one (tick box):
Engineering and other technological areas
Pure and Natural Sciences (e.g. mathematics, physics, chemistry)
X
Health and Biomedical Sciences
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Aerospace
Pharmaceuticals
Oil, Gas and Coal
Renewable Energy
Minerals
Biotechnology
Nanotechnology and New Materials
Technology of prevention and remediation of natural disasters
Biodiversity and Bioprospection
Marine Sciences
Creative Industry
New technologies in constructive engineering