PhD Studentship: A Model to Study Vitamin B12 Form, Function and Deficiency (WARRENM_Q23DTP)

Vegan and vegetarian diets have gained significant traction over the past decade, with more people than ever before making the switch. 

Whilst many people are choosing to go plant-based for environmental reasons, others are adopting these diets because of their health benefits. However, while plant-based diets may have many health benefits, they can also result in nutrient deficiencies if not carefully planned as plant-based diets simply do not contain certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12. 

This brilliant-red coloured nutrient is unique among the vitamins for many reasons, including the fact that it is made exclusively by only certain bacteria and hence animals such as ourselves have to acquire it from our diets and deliver it to where it is required. 

The trafficking and delivery of the B12 is comparatively poorly understood and this project aims to gain a better understanding of how the process is orchestrated by studying B12 uptake and transport in the model animal system C. elegans. 

In this project we will use state-of-the-art imaging techniques to follow the movement of B12 from bacterial cells through to its trafficking and delivery within the worm. 

The project will identify some of the key components of the transport system by using B12 molecules with chemical war heads to allow their identification. 

Genetic approaches including RNA approaches will allow the role of other genes to be probed. 

Finally, analogues forms of B12 will be investigated for their ability to act as antivitamins and to inhibit key biological processes. 

The project will provide new insights into how B12 is trafficked in biological systems and the effects of B12 deficiency on biochemical activities.

Primary supervisor: Prof Martin Warren

Start date: 1 October 2023

For more information on this project, please visit www.uea.ac.uk

The Norwich Research Park (NRP) Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) is offering fully-funded studentships for October 2023 entry.

The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. 

You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. 

All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. 

Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. 

Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 24, 25 or 26 January 2023. 

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.

Funding

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) PhD studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2022/3 stipend rate: £17,668), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.