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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 / Prof Cathal Seoighe
andrew.flaus@nuigalway.ie / cathal.seoighe@nuigalway.ie
School of Natural Sciences, School of Mathematics,
Statistics and Applied Mathematics
Yes
Centre for Chromosome Biology / Bioinformatics Research
Group
Research group / centre website:
www.chromosome.ie, bioinf.nuigalway.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 highly collaborative research groups are interested in how chromatin provides a universal
molecular packaging in eukaryotes, and how sequence-structure-function analyses can uncover
evolutionary relationships in biomolecules. We are part of the Centre for Chromosome Biology and
School of Mathematics which provide a concentration of relevant expertise in these areas.
Title & brief description of PhD project (suitable for publication on web):
Uncovering the evolution of chromatin packaging by sequence-structure-function analysis
Eukaryotic genomes are packaged into chromatin formed from nucleosome building blocks. Histone
protein organisation within the nucleosome sets up interaction interfaces that stabilise its repeating
structure. Although nucleosomal organisation is conserved in well-studied model organisms, the
pathway for the emergence of the structure is not well understood and the diversity of eukaryotes
encompasses considerable divergence in histone sequences. In this project we will analyse the large
number of histone sequences available using phylogenetic techniques and mapping onto three
dimensional structures. This will reveal changes during the evolutionary history of chromatin
organisation that we hypothesise are related to DNA characteristics of the genome and to biological
function. To test this we will produce selected histones recombinantly and measure their effect on
nucleosome behaviour using in vitro biochemical assays. We will also extend the sequence-structure
analysis to catalogue and characterise non-histone nuclear proteins which share the histone fold
motif. Together, this will provide a clearer understanding of the functional innovations in chromatin
packaging that have occured during eukaryotic genome evolution.
Unique selling points of PhD project in NUI Galway:
The proposed project is a collaborative work between groups with complementary expertise in
chromatin biochemistry and bioinformatic analysis. It provides an opportunity to build knowledge
and skills for sequence and structural analysis using computational approaches as well wet-lab
biochemical experience in recombinant protein expression and biochemical analysis of DNA binding
proteins. The research will be carried out in the new biomedical building at NUI Galway, providing a
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Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
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;
Bioinformatics;
Biotechnology;
Genetics/ molecular genetics;
Computer science;
Mathematics and statistics
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,
X
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
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: