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Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
PhD Project Template
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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:
Has project been agreed with head (or
nominee) of proposed registration school?
Research Centre / group affiliation:
Dr Andrew Flaus / Dr Uri Frank
andrew.flaus@nuigalway.ie / uri.frank@nuigalway.ie
School of Natural Sciences
Yes
Centre for Chromosome Biology / Regenerative Medicine
Institute
Research group / centre website:
www.chromosome.ie, www.remedi.ie
PI website / link to CV:
www.chromosome.ie/researchers/flaus
Brief summary of PI research / research group / centre activity (2 or 3 lines max):
Our enthusiastic research groups are studying how chromatin acts as the DNA packaging in
eukaryotes. In particular, we ask how different chromatin configurations enables cells in one
organism to remain undifferentiated on the one hand (i.e. stem cell), or become fully committed to
one lineage on the other hand. Our groups are part of research centres focused on the molecular
cell biology of chromatin and stem cells.
Title & brief description of PhD project (suitable for publication on web):
Chromatin features contributing to stem cell properties in early animals
Pluripotent stem cell chromatin can be remodelled to become the genome packaging for any
differentiated cell. Conversely, during reprogramming somatic cells must reverse their cell-type
specific packaging to become stem cells. Cnidarians are a group of early branching animals that can
be easily grown and contain naturally stem cells that can differentiate to any cell type, allowing
unlimited regeneration and effective immortality. They provide a novel opportunity for
understanding the molecular details of stem cells in the context of an intact animal. However, the
chromatin properties of cnidarians have not been investigated in detail. Nevertheless, the
chromatin marks distinguishing stem cells from differentiated ones are thought to be similar to
humans. In this project we will study the composition and distribution within the nucleus of histone
proteins and their post-translational modifications as epigenetic markers. This will be undertaken in
the model cnidarian Hydractinia echinata, using a combination of biochemical, genomics and
advanced microscopy approaches. The project will extend understanding of human stem cells, and
provide insights into how chromatin states alter when switching between pluripotent and
differentiated cells.
Unique selling points of PhD project in NUI Galway:
The proposed project is a collaborative work between groups with complementary expertise in
chromatin biochemistry, molecular cell biology and developmental biology. This combination of
perspectives is focused on a highly topical research area of stem cell biology. The cnidarian
Hydractinia is a unique model organism that enables investigation at the level of molecules and cells
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Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
in the intact animals. The project will therefore enable the student to build knowledge and
experience in a wide range of skills linked to exciting areas of biology such as epigenetics and
development. The research will be carried out in the new biomedical building at NUI Galway,
providing a unique cross-disciplinary and highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art
facilities.
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
X
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Computing
Aerospace
Pharmaceuticals
Sustainable Agricultural Production
Oil, Gas and Coal
Renewable Energy
Minerals, Minerals Technology
Biotechnology
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): N
Suitable for either/Don’t know: