Defining the sequence requirements for neo-centromere function in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Fact file
| Duration |
Three to four years full-time |
|---|
| Eligibility |
Self-funded; Home, EU or International Students |
|---|
| Supervisor(s) |
Dr William R Brown
Dr Bill Wickstead
|
|---|
| Application deadline |
No deadline |
|---|
About the project
Centromeres are the regions of the chromosome necessary for accurate segregation at cell division. They bind a complex set of proteins called the kinetochore which in turn tethers the chromosome to the microtubules of the spindle at cell division. We have recently defined the sequence requirements for native centromere function and kinetochore binding in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. When centromeric DNA is deleted however the kinetochore complex will bind at low frequency to other regions of the chromosome that are not related in sequence to the native centromeric DNA. This poses the question of how are conserved set of proteins can bind to two different type of DNA sequences. The student will use genetics, genomics and molecular biology to address this question.
Funding notes
This project is available to self-funded students. Home applicants should contact the supervisor to determine the current funding status for this project. EU applicants should visit the Graduate School webpages for information on specific EU scholarships. International applicants should visit our International Research Scholarships page for information regarding fees and funding at the University.
See this project on FindaPhD
Defining the sequence requirements for neo-centromere function in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe