Ciência sem Fronteiras (Science Without Borders)
PhD Project Template:
PI name & contact details:
Jakki Cooney
Department
Life Sciences
Has project been agreed with head (or nominee) of
proposed registration school?
YES
Research Centre / group affiliation:
MSSI
Research group / centre website:
Molecular and Structural Biology
PI website / link to CV:
http://www2.ul.ie/web/WWW/Faculties/Science
_&_Engineering/Departments/Life_Sciences/Peo
ple/Jakki_Cooney
Brief summary of PI research / research group / centre activity (2 or 3 lines max):
The research group examines bacterial proteases produced by pathogenic bacteria and by
commensal bacteria. The purpose is to establish the role of proteases in disease and in the health
conferring benefits of probiotics. The group uses a combination of bioinformatics, molecular
biology, biochemical and biophysical analysis and X-ray crystallography to identify and
characterize the proteases.
Title & brief description of PhD project (suitable for publication on web):
Characterization and molecular cloning of bacterial proteases from commensal microorganisms.
The project will use characterized proteases as search models to identify new protease genes in
metagenomic databases from human intestinal health projects. Target genes will be selected
through a rationalization process based on specific characteristics of the enzymes. Molecular
cloning and recombinant protein production will provide material for biochemical characterization
including substrate profiling, kinetic analysis, protein-protein interaction studies and
crystallization studies. X-ray crystallographic methods will be used to determine the protein
structure.
Unique selling points of PhD project in UL:
Well-equipped laboratory with significant expertise in bacterial protease biochemistry. Good
focus on outreach to industry.
Very pleasant campus and friendly people.
Name & contact details for project queries, if different from PI named above:
As above
Please indicate the graduates of which disciplines that should apply:
Biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology
Please indicate whether
students can apply for:
Sandwich programme only
Full PhD programme only

Either of the above
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)
Health and Biomedical Sciences
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Aerospace
Pharmaceuticals
Oil, Gas and Coal
Renewable Energy
Minerals
Biotechnology
Nanotechnology and New Materials
Technology of prevention and remediation of natural disasters
Biodiversity and Bioprospection
Marine Sciences
Creative Industry
New technologies in constructive engineering