Exploring bacteria-mycorrhizal fungi-plant interactions regulating nutrient exchange

Plant-microbe interactions underpin crop production. Bacteria and fungi are implicated in improving plant health with recent research showing these microbes synergise to additively increase crop yields. These data suggest complex interactions between plant-bacteria-fungi exist. However, the mechanisms underpinning these tripartite interactions remain unknown. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form a symbiosis with plants with AMF supplying nutrients from the soil in return for plant-derived carbon that is used for energy and growth.

This project builds on our discovery that plant bacteria related to Bacteroidota specialise in releasing plant-available phosphate from organic phosphorus (P) breakdown. Our work has also revealed Bacteroidota specialise in utilising polysaccharides exuded by plants. In the rhizosphere, the thin region of soil around plant roots, Bacteroidota are enriched when AMF are present. We hypothesise that Bacteroidota utilise AMF-derived carbohydrates to colonise their hyphae, increasing phosphate transport into plant roots by mobilising P from the soil matrix.

The aims of this project are to:

1. Use fluorescently-labelled Bacteroidota to investigate AMF colonisation in the presence or absence of other plant bacteria

2. Identify the molecular mechanisms underpinning AMF colonisation using transcriptomics, proteomics and Tn-Seq

3. Determine the role of Bacteroidota-AMF interactions in plant P uptake from organic sources using radioisotope labelling

Understanding these tripartite interactions represents the frontier of plant microbiome research. Developing ways to engineer the plant microbiome, either through altered farming practice, the use of microbial inoculants, and/or plant breeding programmes is central to the future of sustainable farming.  

The student will learn a diverse range of cutting-edge skills performed in the labs of IL, SM and KF, including access to state-of-the-art proteomics and microscopy facilities within the School. IL and SM share a laboratory housing a diverse (gender, religion, nationality) and inclusive team of eight PhD students, a senior research technician and a postdoc. 

For informal enquiries about the project, please contact Dr Ian Lidbury [email protected].

About YBDTP:

YBDTP brings together world-class bioscience research and innovation, as well as excellence in doctoral supervision, across the region. YBDTP will fund postgraduate researchers at the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, York, Bradford, Hull, Leeds Beckett, Sheffield Hallam and Teesside forming a strong regional training partnership. In YBDTP you’ll benefit from a regional doctoral training programme that has interdisciplinary collaboration at its core. The aim is to enable you to develop a range of research skills in biological, biotechnology and biochemical areas as well as equip you with core data analysis and professional skills that are necessary for bioscience research and related non-academic careers.

https://www.whiterose-mechanisticbiology-dtp.ac.uk/yorkshire-bioscience-dtp/

Funding Notes:

Funding: A tax-free annual stipend at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25 entry), research costs and tuition fees at UK rate

Academic year: 2025/26

Open to: International (including EU) and UK (home) students

Eligibility:

Open to International (including EU) and UK (home) students.

You can apply if you have, or are expecting to gain, at least an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this programme, we welcome applications if your background is in any biological, chemical or physical science or mathematics and are interested in using your skills in addressing biological questions. International students should check if they meet the entry requirements for their country.

We aim to support the most outstanding applicants from outside the UK and are able to offer a limited number of bursaries that will enable full studentships to be awarded to international (EU and non-EU) applicants. These full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality candidates, due to the competitive nature of this scheme. 

The Yorkshire Bioscience DTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.

Not all projects will be funded; a limited number of candidates will be appointed via a competitive process.

English language:

If English isn’t your first language, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.

How to apply:

Application deadline: 5pm, Friday 14^th March 2025

To submit your application, click on the link to the Expression of Interest form in the Funding Notes section of any of your chosen projects. You can apply for up to 3 YBDTP projects (which can be at different universities).

We would advise you to read the questions in the form before submitting your application. Inside the form there is a link to a document for you to see the questions in advance.

If you have any questions about the application process, please email [email protected].

If you have any questions about the project you are interested in, please email the project supervisor (details inside the project description).

How we allocate:

Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and successful applicants will be notified promptly. If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited for an interview on a date to be confirmed in February 2025. You’ll be notified as soon as possible after the interview dates whether your application has been successful, placed on a reserve list or unsuccessful. If you are successful, you’ll be required to confirm your intention to accept the studentship within 10 days.

Terms and conditions:

The studentships are fully funded for four years, and you must complete your PhD in four years.

You’ll receive the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular instalments. The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) stipend is tax free and does not need to be paid back.

International students will need to have sufficient funds to cover the costs of their student visa, NHS health surcharge, travel insurance and travel to the UK as these are excluded from UKRI funding.