Postgraduate research opportunities Developing a targeted mitochondrial proteomics pipeline for ageing and disease research

Apply

Key facts

  • Opens: Monday 11 December 2023
  • Deadline: Thursday 29 February 2024
  • Number of places: 2
  • Duration: 36 months
  • Funding: Home fee, Stipend

Overview

Loss of muscle mass and energy dysregulation are known primary drivers of ageing. In this project we will look to develop peptide synthesis and new mass spectrometry driven ways to assess mitochondrial biochemistry. Using established targeted proteomics methods alongside the development of new synthesis and isolation techniques, this Shimadzu sponsored project aims to redefine the way we characterise static and dynamic mitochondrial changes and related them to models of ageing and disease.
Back to opportunity

Eligibility

Candidates must have a strong background in analytical chemistry, biological chemistry, or biochemistry and have obtained a first, or upper second-class UK Honours degree.

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner
Back to opportunity

Project Details

Previous research by collaborators at the University of Strathclyde has successfully identified a biomarker panel of 12 dysregulated energy-linked metabolites that predict the frailty status of individuals within an ageing population. This finding indicated that decreased energy production acts as a common pathway and primary driver toward frailty. This is mirrored globally by frail individuals presenting symptoms of weakness, slowness, exhaustion, and low activity. This evidence contributes to a growing body of evidence that modelling energy metabolism and the mitochondria is key to the development of biomarkers for ageing.

The mitochondria are organelles located in the cytoplasm of the cell, crucial in generating energy in the form of ATP and are often referred to as the “powerhouse” of the cell. In eukaryotic cells, mitochondria are instrumental in both the metabolism of energy and cell survival through the production of proteins vital for function, proliferation, and cell growth. Although most mitochondrial proteins are encoded by nuclear genes and are subsequently imported into mitochondria via protein translocation machinery, mitochondria also have a maternally inherited genome of their own that express over 1000 proteins.

The two studentships available will work across the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences and Pure & Applied Chemistry, in the laboratories of Dr Nicholas Rattray and Professor Glenn Burley. The objective of this project is to develop targeted proteomics methodology, using LC-MS/MS in tandem with peptide synthesis strategies, to measure the mitochondrial proteome

Data will be used to create a highly accurate quantitative model of protein changes within mitochondrial dysfunction and will open up a new range of tools applicable to all areas of science related to ageing, disease, and the mitochondria.

Further information

Associated publications

Back to opportunity

Funding details

These PhD studentships are sponsored by Shimadzu Corp, a global mass spectrometry company. Funding includes home tuition fees and annual stipend. They are open to UK students and include a stipend and fees for 3 years.

Back to opportunity

Supervisors

Dr Rattray

Dr Nicholas Rattray

Senior Lecturer
Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences

View profile
Professor Burley

Professor Glenn Burley

Pure and Applied Chemistry

View profile
Back to course

Apply

Candidates who are interested in the positions are encouraged to send their CV and contact details of two referees to nicholas.rattray@strath.ac.uk.

Number of places: 2

To read how we process personal data, applicants can review our 'Privacy Notice for Student Applicants and Potential Applicants' on our Privacy notices' web page.

Back to course

Contact us

Dr Nicholas Rattray: nicholas.rattray@strath.ac.uk

Professor Glenn Burley: glenn.burley@strath.ac.uk