Pre-mRNA splicing regulation in human cancers by U6 snRNA modifications (AKAYA_U25SCIBIGC0
Key Details
- Application deadline
- 19 January 2025 (midnight UK time)
- Location
- UEA
- Funding type
- Competition Funded Project (UK/Home Students)
- Start date
- 1 October 2025
- Mode of study
- Full-time
- Programme type
- PhD
Project description
Primary supervisor - Dr Alper Akay
We are looking for enthusiastic students to join our RNA (epi)Genetics Lab to study the function of U6 snRNA modifications in RNA splicing in human cancers.
Pre-mRNA splicing is carried out by the spliceosome which contains more than 100 proteins and 5 U snRNAs. The accuracy and efficiency of the spliceosome are often compromised in many human cancers. Mutations in the DNA can lead to RNA molecules that the spliceosome can no longer accurately recognise or recognise wrong sequences. This can have profound implications for human health, as cells may end up lacking the function of important proteins such as tumour suppressors or may end up with proteins that function in undesired ways such as oncogenes. In addition, mutations in splicing factors and U snRNAs are also linked to many human cancers and affect the splicing of many mRNAs.
Our group recently discovered that one of the components of the spliceosome, U6 snRNA, recognises specific RNA splicing sequences that are mutated in human cancers. This PhD project aims to reveal how pre-mRNA splicing is regulated by U6 snRNA modifications in human cancers and how we can change U6 snRNA modifications to correct pre-mRNA splicing in cancer cells.
Funded by Big C Cancer Charity with a contribution of £50,000, this project is suitable for students who are interested in RNA biology, biochemistry, cell biology and RNA sequencing.
We offer a multidisciplinary and supportive research environment at the UEA and the Norwich Research Park. The student will have a wide range of support to learn different techniques and interact with national and international laboratories working on RNA modifications and splicing. The student will attend national and international conferences and will be given internal and external mentorship and career development support. Our RNA (epi)genetics laboratory is funded by a prestigious UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowship and provides generous resources and instruments.
Entry requirements
The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1 in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry or relevant areas.
Funding
This project is match-funded by Big C Cancer Charity with a contribution of £50,000, and UEA. Funding is available to UK applicants and comprises ‘home’ tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19237 for 4 years.
References
Shen,A. et al. (2024) U6 snRNA m6A modification is required for accurate and efficient splicing of C. elegans and human pre-mRNAs. Nucleic Acids Research