Understanding the mechanisms of crossover recombination control

Brief summary

The project aims to gain further mechanistic insight into meiotic crossover formation in plants. 

Importance of Research

Crossover recombination underlies genetic diversity, evolution and crop breeding. The proposed research aims to gain essential knowledge to enable crossover engineering for accelerated crop improvement.

Project Summary

During meiosis parental chromosomes physically exchange parts or undergo crossover recombination. This fundamental process in all sexually reproducing eukaryotes creates genetic diversity and underlies evolution and crop breeding. 

To form a crossover, nuclear DNA is first cut and then repaired in a multistep process. In plants, majority of DNA cuts are repaired as a non-crossover, or without parental chromosome exchange, resulting in minimal genetic diversity. This project aims to combine molecular, genetic, and biochemistry approaches to gain a deeper insight into how a group of proteins, termed, pro-crossover factors, ensure a crossover outcome of meiotic DNA repair. This knowledge will lead to a fundamental advance of how meiotic crossovers are formed and will be an important step towards engineering recombination in chromosome locations of breeders’ choice.

What will the successful applicant do?

Pro-crossover factors work together to promote crossovers; however, the hierarchy of their action is unknown. The first part of the project will be to test whether any pro-crossover factors can initiate recruitment others to the DNA and thus ensure crossover formation. Pro-crossover factors can be regulated via post-translational modifications (PTM). The second part of the project will be to test whether and how PTMs are involved in crossover control.

Eligibility

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the Faculty of Biological Sciences is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. 

How to apply

To apply for this project applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application. 

• a full academic CV
• degree certificate and transcripts of marks
• Evidence that you meet the University’s minimum English language requirements (if applicable)
• Evidence of funding

To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;

• Select PhD in Biological Sciences as your programme of study
• Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert

For information about the application process please contact the Faculty Admissions Team:

e: fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk