Version 2
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?
Dr Andrew Flaus
andrew.flaus@nuigalway.ie
School of Natural Sciences
Yes
Research Centre / group affiliation: Centre for Chromosome Biology
Research group / centre website:
www.chromosome.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 research group focuses on understanding how chromatin provides a universal molecular
packaging in eukaryotes using biochemical, structural and cell biology approaches. We are part of
the Centre for Chromosome Biology which has a breadth of expertise in chromatin research.
Title & brief description of PhD project (suitable for publication on web):
Comprehensive screen for chromatin effects of histones in vivo
Eukaryotic genomes are packaged into chromatin using nucleosome building blocks. The
nucleosome structure is defined by four core proteins which are highly conserved in eukaryotes. A
variety of enzymes act to manipulate chromatin structure, including ATP-dependent chomatin
remodelling complexes with Snf2 enzymes at their core. The Snf2 protein family was initially
recognised through the ability to suppress a handful of histone mutants. In this project we will
complete a comprehensive screen for core histone mutations and quantitatively characterise their
effect on fitness and on specific reporter genes in the model yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This is
expected to uncover a significant number of novel histone positions which influence nucleosome
stability. We then prepare recombinant histone mutants and study their behaviour in nucleosomes
in vitro. Together, this will allow us to clarify the fundamental relationship between malleability of
chromatin structure and chromatin remodelling.
Unique selling points of PhD project in NUI Galway:
The project is part of an intensive investigation of nucleosome structure-function properties by our
group. It provides an opportunity for the student to build knowledge and skills in the area of
chromatin and epigenetics using genetic screens, structure-function analysis, recombinant protein
expression and biochemical assays. It will be supported by expertise in the Centre for Chromosome
Biology. 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:
Version 2
Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
Please indicate the graduates of which disciplines that should apply:
Biochemistry;
Microbiology;
Biotechnology;
Cell biology;
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,
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: