MSc by Research: Understanding the contribution of natural variation in upstream open reading frames to plant climate adaptation

In our warming climate, understanding how plants respond to elevated temperatures is vital for breeding temperature-resilient crops. While many genes involved in the temperature response have been discovered in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, it remains unknown whether they contributed to adaptation to various climates across natural Arabidopsis accessions.  

In the Balcerowicz Lab, we are currently investigating novel regulators of the plant temperature response that are controlled by upstream open reading frames (uORFs). uORFs are short sequences located upstream of a transcript’s main coding region and are generally considered negative regulators of mRNA translation. Few uORFs have been linked to biotic and abiotic stress responses, and so far, none are known to regulate responses to above-optimal ambient temperature. Natural variation in some of these uORFs exist amongst a range of Arabidopsis accessions (https://1001genomes.org/).  

This project aims to determine the impact of uORF natural variation on the plant’s temperature response using genetic and molecular biology techniques. The student will characterise the function of uORF variants in the process of translation using site-directed mutagenesis and in vitro translation assays, and they will study the temperature response across a range of natural accessions, investigating variation in phenotype as well as in gene expression (using qPCR) and protein accumulation (using Western blotting). 

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.

Please see our website for further details on the programme:

Life Sciences MSc by Research MSc by Research (Postgraduate) : Study : University of Dundee

Please note before submitting your application that you must list your top three project choices in the Research Proposal section of the application form.

You apply for this course using our Direct Application System. Once you’ve signed up for an account you’ll be asked to search for a course.

https://www.dundee.ac.uk/study/pgr/research-areas/life-sciences/

To find Life Science MSc by Research you should select the following options:

· Course type: Research Postgraduate

· Keyword: Life

When you complete your form, you should include your top 3 project choices, 2 letters of reference, uploaded under “Other Information” > “Supporting documents” and a personal statement. Failure to do so will delay your application.

Please note when submitting an application, please note our intake deadlines on the ‘how to apply’ section of our website