Exploring the Ubiquitin-Proteasome system’s Impact on Ageing and Disease: The Interplay of Genetics, Lifestyle, and Environment

Project Overview

Unravelling the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving ageing to improve human health across the lifespan is a central aim of biomedical research. As organisms age, they experience a gradual decline in cellular processes, including protein synthesis, folding, and degradation, which can lead to the accumulation of damaged or misfolded proteins, as well as dysfunctional organelles. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis throughout life, and its dysfunction is associated with various age-related diseases. The UPS consists of a complex network of enzymes and proteins that work together to attach ubiquitin molecules to target proteins, marking them for degradation or altering the function of these proteins. Despite significant research progress, there is still much to learn about the precise role of the UPS in the aging process. Especially, the interplay between UPS and other cellular pathways involved in ageing and tissue-specific differences in UPS function during ageing needs further investigation.

This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to explore strategies aimed at extending healthspan and investigate the complex interplay between genetics (e.g., disease risk genes), lifestyle factors (e.g., diet, exercise), and environmental influences e.g., microbiome, exposure to microplastics) in shaping UPS function and its impact on ageing and age-related disease such as neurodegeneration. By employing a multidisciplinary approach encompassing bioinformatics, molecular biology, cellular assays, and organismal studies, the student will investigate the action of the UPS in safeguarding the ageing proteome with the ultimate goal of developing interventions to enhance overall health in ageing populations.

Kevei research group:

The Kevei group is focusing on investigating ageing and ageing related diseases using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans model complemented by cellular models with a special focus on Parkinson’s disease. The research group is currently composed of 3-4 PhD students, plus Masters and undergraduate students and benefits from the collaborative research environment of the University of Reading Agriculture, Food and Health theme and from UK-based and international collaborations.

School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, provides world-class research education programs. The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, a 30-minute train ride to central London and 40 minutes from London Heathrow airport. 

Our School of Biological Sciences conducts high-impact research, tackling current global challenges faced by society and the planet. Our research ranges from understanding and improving human health and combating disease, through to understanding evolutionary processes and uncovering new ways to protect the natural world. In 2020, we moved into a stunning new ~£60 million Health & Life Sciences building. This state-of-the-art facility is purpose-built for science research and teaching. It houses the Cole Museum of Zoology, a café and social spaces.

In the School of Biological Sciences, you will be joining a vibrant community of ~180 PhD students representing ~40 nationalities. Our students publish in high-impact journals, present at international conferences, and organise a range of exciting outreach and public engagement activities.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision in one-to-one and small group sessions. You will have access to cutting-edge technology and learn the latest research techniques. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. If English is not your first language, the University’s excellent International Study and Language Institute will help you develop your academic English skills.

The University of Reading is a welcoming community for people of all faiths and cultures. We are committed to a healthy work-life balance and will work to ensure that you are supported personally and academically.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have a good degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent) in Biology or a strongly-related discipline. Applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional courses that can help with meeting these requirements. With a commitment to improving diversity in science and engineering, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

How to apply:

Submit an application for a

PhD in Biomedical Sciences at http://www.reading.ac.uk/pgapply.

Further information:

http://www.reading.ac.uk/biologicalsciences/SchoolofBiologicalSciences/PhD/sbs-phd.aspx

Enquiries:

Dr. Eva Kevei, email: [email protected]