PhD Opportunity – Structural systems biology of Staufen1:RNA transactions

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Outline: Since its discovery, Staufen1 has been studied for its involvement in a diverse set of aspects of RNA metabolism, ranging from RNA localisation to decay. Given its pivotal role in cellular RNA metabolism, several studies have explored the mechanistic impact of Staufen1 in a wide variety of cell functions ranging from cell growth to cell death, as well as in various disease states. This PhD project aims to identify the molecular mechanism governing the functions of Staufen1 protein, using our unique expertise in the structural and quantitative biology of protein:nucleic acid complexes, track record on Staufen1 structural biochemistry, and access to beyond-state-of-the-art technology.

To gain quantitative molecular knowledge on the formation of Staufen1:RNA complexes, this project will focus on the detailed individual analysis of Staufen1:RNA complexes in vitro; as well as on gathering detailed information of such assemblies combining light and electron microscopy approaches.

Techniques:

1. Gene cloning, Protein over-expression purification, biochemical and cellular assays
2. Reconstitution of multi-protein and protein:RNA complexes
3. Assay development
4. Cryo-electron Microscopy
5. SAXS
6. FRET; FRET-FLIM
7. Super-resolution microscopy

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