Version 2
Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
PhD Project Template



Use one form per project
Please complete & submit to international@nuigalway.ie as soon as possible, and by 27/11/2012
In your email, begin the subject line with [SWB] (be sure to use square brackets) to ensure that
your email is filed correctly. Emails will be automatically filed
PI name & contact details:
School:
Prof. Ciaran Morrison/ Prof. Peter Dockery
Ciaran.morrison@nuigalway.ie
School of Natural Sciences
Has project been agreed with head (or
nominee) of proposed registration school?
Yes
Research Centre / group
affiliation:
Research group / centre website:
Centre for Chromosome Biology/ Anatomy
PI website / link to CV:
www.chromosome.ie
see also: imaging.nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/biochemistry/staff/morrison/index.html
Brief summary of PI research / research group / centre activity (2 or 3 lines max):
If you are already involved in relevant scholarly activities relating to Brazil, please mention them here.
Dividing cells have two 'centrosomes' that act as opposite mitotic spindle poles and draw the
dividing chromosomes toward them. Cancer cells have multiple centrosomes, causing uneven cell
division, and centrosomal problems also play roles in developmental disorders. We use reverse
genetics (gene targeting, siRNA) to disrupt the genes that code for key elements of the individual
parts of the centrosomes and then use advanced microscopy and cell biology approaches to
examine how cells divide, manage their chromosomes and maintain genome stability.
Title & brief description of PhD project (suitable for publication on web):
Development of recombinant toolkit for electron microscopy of centrosomes by gene targeting
Understanding of centrosome function is key topic question in cell biology and necessitates a
detailed knowledge of where centrosome components reside within the structure. The localisation
of specific proteins within the centrosome normally requires specific antibodies. Using gene
targeting, we propose to tag specific centrosomal proteins with epitope or chemical tags that will
allow us to develop a standard protocol for their visualization using electron microscopy. This
project will develop a unique suite of genetically-engineered cell lines for electron microscopy and
will provide new insight into the assembly of this important organelle.
Unique selling points of PhD project in NUI Galway:
This is an interdisciplinary project between two collaborating groups that will exploit the specific
expertise of each unit: in Biochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture and gene targeting; and in
Anatomy, electron microscopy and high-resolution imaging. Our expertise in gene targeting can be
seen from our hosting of an EMBO Practical Course in this area in June 2010. A range of light and
electron microscopes is available, along with molecular biology and cell culture facilities.
Version 2
Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
Name & contact details for project queries, if different from PI named above:
Please indicate the graduates of which disciplines that should apply:
Biochemistry;
Cell biology;
Molecular biology;
Biomedical science;
Biotechnology;
Genetics/ molecular genetics.
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)/Physical Sciences (Mathematics,
Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geosciences)
Health and Biomedical Sciences / Clinical, Pré-clinical and Health Sciences
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Computing
Aerospace
Pharmaceuticals
Sustainable Agricultural Production
Oil, Gas and Coal
Renewable Energy
Minerals, Minerals Technology
Biotechnology
X
Nanotechnology and New Materials
Technologies for Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Disasters
Bioprospecting and Biodiversity
Marine Sciences
Creative Industry
New technologies in constructive engineering
Please indicate which of the following applies to this project (referring to Science Without Borders
arrangements):
Suitable only as a Full PhD (Y/N): Y
Available to candidates seeking a Sandwich PhD arrangement (Y/N): _____
Suitable for either/Don’t know: