Illuminating the Dark Genome’s Role in Chromosome Segregation and Cellular Aging

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The human genome harbors vast untapped potential within its “dark” regions, comprising 98% of our genetic material. This project, a collaboration between the Draviam laboratory and NonExomics INC, aims to revolutionise our understanding of the dark genome, focusing on chromosome segregation gene encoding loci.

Recent advancements in proteogenomics have revealed the existence of numerous noncanonical proteins encoded by previously overlooked genomic regions. These proteins, derived from long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs, and alternative open reading frames, play crucial roles in cellular processes and disease mechanisms. By leveraging cutting-edge AI methods and single-cell microscopy, we will:

Build bioinformatic tools to identify proteins and variants in alternate coding frames within chromosome segregation gene loci
Conduct single-cell microscopy to uncover and rank variant phenotype(s)
Predict and rank harmful versus harmless variants, potentially revealing links to chromosomal instability and cellular ageing.

The project will utilize UK Biobank data to build genotype-phenotype links based on early cancer onset, subfertility, or developmental defects. By combining bioinformatic searches with single-cell studies we aim to elucidate the functional significance of naturally occurring variants in chromosome segregation genes.

This research has the potential to:

Expand our understanding of human biology and ageing mechanisms
Offer explanations for genomic variants previously dismissed as non-functional
Enable commercial impact in the AI-guided human aging biosciences sector

We seek applicants with a strong background in bioinformatics, microscopy and molecular biology. This interdisciplinary approach promises to unlock new frontiers in cellular ageing by harnessing the hidden potential of the dark genome.

Supervisors:

Academic lead supervisor: Prof Viji Draviam, Queen Mary University of London (v.draviam@qmul.ac.uk)
Industry lead supervisor: Dr Sudhakaran Prabhakaran, NonExomics (sudhakaran.prabhakaran@nonexomics.com)

Funding Notes:

Fully funded place including home (UK) tuition fees and a tax-free stipend in the region of £21,237. Additional funding to cover full overseas fees is available for a maximum of 7 studentships.