School of Life Sciences
PhD Research Studentship
Title: Evolutionary
populations
adaptation
to
environmental
stress
within
microbial
Background. This interdisciplinary PhD project concerns non-genetic heterogeneity
(NGH): phenotypic variation that exists between individual cells within genetically
uniform populations. This phenomenon is one of the most topical research subjects in
biology. NGH is thought to confer fitness benefits to microorganisms such as bacteria
and fungi, and may be important for survival of environmental pollution and climate
change. Recent results from our laboratories have been the first to indicate that NGH
helps microorganisms survive in polluted habitats (Holland et al. 2013, Environ
Microbiol.). Furthermore, low-heterogeneity isolates evolve high-heterogeneity during
long term culturing with pollutants. The work has major implications for understanding
species diversity in stressed environments and this project will build on these exciting
results.
Project. Microorganisms will be sampled from polluted and control habitats and
characterised phylogenetically. NGH will then be measured by a combination of
methods, including novel 3D cell printing techniques, developed at the University of
Nottingham. The supervisory team encompasses expertise in engineering, pollutant
bioavailability and bioreporters, reflecting the impact potential of the results (including
commercial). Next-generation DNA sequencing will be used to identify genetic
determinants of heterogeneity in wild yeasts evolved to high-heterogeneity under
laboratory conditions. The genetic tractability of model yeasts, e.g. Saccharomyces
cerevisiae, will then be exploited to elucidate function of the determinants. Certain
genetic bases for heterogeneity have been described previously, but their relevance to
wild situations is unknown. This project addresses that major question.
Training. The student will be trained in current methodologies for population biology and
microbial genetics, 3D cell printing, fieldwork, bioreporters, molecular typing, genetic
manipulation, flow cytometry and genome-sequencing. The student will join active and
well-funded research groupings, with opportunities to present in group and School-wide
meetings. Generic training courses will help to build a foundation of valuable
transferable skills.
Informal enquries should be directed to: Simon.Avery@nottingham.ac.uk ; tel. 01159513315
Formal applications can be made at: www.Envision-dtp.org
This particular project is one of several selected for support through the new Envision
NERC-DTP scheme. Applicants should have been awarded, or expect to be awarded, a
first class or upper-second class honours degree in a biology-related subject.
Closing date 16 February 2014
Key references
Holland SL, Reader T, Dyer PS, Avery SV (2013) Phenotypic heterogeneity is a selected trait in natural
yeast populations subject to environmental stress. Environ. Microbiol. doi:10.1111/1462-2920.12243
Avery SV (2006) Microbial cell individuality and the underlying sources of heterogeneity. Nature Rev.
Microbiol. 4, 577-587.