AKAYA_U25SCI Pre-mRNA splicing regulation in human cancers by snRNA modifications
Key Details
- Application deadline
- 27 November 2024, 23:59
- Location
- UEA
- Funding type
- Competition funded (Home students only)
- 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 RNA modifications in RNA splicing in human cancers.
Pre-mRNA splicing is an essential cellular process carried out by the spliceosome which removes introns and brings exons together for many mRNAs in human cells. The accuracy and efficiency of the spliceosome are often compromised in many human diseases, such as developmental disorders and 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.
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 snRNA modifications in human cancers.
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 or Biochemistry
Funding
This PhD project is in a competition for a Faculty of Science funded studentship. Funding is available to UK applicants and comprises ‘home’ tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237 (for a maximum 3 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