Version 2
Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
PhD Project Template
PI name & contact details:
School:
Has project been agreed with head (or
nominee) of proposed registration school?
Research Centre / group affiliation:
Research group / centre website:
Prof Noel Francis LOWNDES
Biochemistry/School of Natural Sciences
Yes
Centre for Chromosome Biology / Genome Stability
Laboratory
http://www.chromosome.ie
PI website / link to CV:
http://www.chromosome.ie/researchers/lowndes
Brief summary of PI research / research group / centre activity:
If you are already involved in relevant scholarly activities relating to Brazil, please mention them here.
Professor Lowndes’ research career spans two decades in leading research laboratories in the USA,
UK and Ireland. He was appointed to the Chair of Biochemistry at the National University of Ireland
Galway in 2001 where he leads the Genome Stability Laboratory. His group investigates mechanisms
of sensing and responding to DNA damage using yeast, DT40 and human cells. His leadership of the
Centre of Chromosome Biology (www.chromosome.ie/) has been pivotal in positioning NUIG at the
forefront of Irish cancer biology. In 2003, Professor Lowndes was elected to the membership of the
European Molecular Biology Organisation, one of 5 EMBO members in Ireland.
Title & brief description of PhD project (suitable for publication on web):
The role of molecular motor proteins in DNA repair:
DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are among the most toxic DNA lesions known and can
result in cell death, chromosomal translocation or carcinogenesis. Using a quantitative
proteomics approach we have recently identified a role for a motor protein in the repair of
DSBs. In this project we will characterize, for the first time, the role, regulation and
mechanism of this motor protein in the repair of DSBs. Additionally, we will investigate
whether this protein is required for chromosomal translocations.
Hypothesis and specific aims:
That motor proteins are required to effect efficient repair of separated DSBs. Specific aims:
1) Establish the role of our candidate molecular motor protein in the cellular responses DSBs
2) Determine whether any of these proteins plays roles in the aetiology of cancer.
Experimental Plan:
1) Use ‘knock-down’ (siRNA and shRNA) and ‘knock-out’ (in DT40 cells) approaches to abrogate
gene function and study cellular responses to DNA damage using well established assays
2) Screen for perturbed expression in cancer cell lines and cancer samples
The high novelty of our preliminary observations has begun to elucidate new biological mechanisms
required for a successful DNA damage response. Detailed characterisation of these mechanisms will
result in publications in leading internationally peer review publications. Importantly, the new
factors identified will be assessed for their future potential as new cancer therapeutic targets.
Unique selling points of PhD project in NUI Galway:
1) The PI is an internationally leading researcher in genome stability studies
2) Excellent multidisciplinary laboratory facilities (note, in July 2012 the host laboratory will
relocate to the new BioScience Building at NUIG , see http://www.guf.ie/index.php/priority-
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Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
projects/project_detail/biosciences-research-building1/)
3) Strong collaborative links with international leaders in the filed within Europe and the
USA.
4) Excellent track record in the field
5) Strong funding record, including national (SFI/HRB), international (EU) and philantrophic
(O’Sullivan Biomedical Trust) agencies
6) Strong strategic focus on Biomedical Science
7) Strong technical background in:
a. Genetics (use of gene targeting for either ablating gene function or acquisition of
new functions)
b. Biochemistry (protein functions & interaction, quantitiative proteomics)
c. Cell Biology (fixed and live cell microscopy)
d. Advanced specialist techniques (DNA combing, isolation of proteins on nascent
DNA, elutriation, stable isotope labelling with amino acids in cell culture or SILAC)
8) Nearby Brazilian community (see:
http://euscreen.eu/play.jsp?id=EUS_346071ABF1C64166BF02025C40B29ED8)
Please indicate the graduates of which disciplines that should apply:
Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Cell Biology, Genetics, Pharmacology,
physiology, or any other comparable discipline of Molecular Biology
Ciência sem Fronteiras / Science Without Borders Priority Area:
Please indicate the specific programme priority area under which the proposed PhD project fits- only one :
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):
Suitable only as a Full PhD (Y/N): _Yes_
Available to candidates seeking a Sandwich PhD arrangement (Y/N): _No_