News FeedProject title: Evolutionary dynamics of transposable elements in
yeast genomes.
Supervisor: Dr. Casey M. Bergman
CASE Partner: Dr. Ian N. Roberts
http://www.ls.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/ukoreu/
research/researchdegrees/studentships/project/?id=700
A NERC CASE PhD studentship is available to investigate the
organisation and evolution of transposable elements (TEs) in yeast
genomes. TEs are mobile, repetitive DNA sequences that are among the
most dynamic yet least understood components of eukaryotic genomes.
Advances in yeast genome sequencing now provides an unparalleled
opportunity to study the impact of TEs on eukaryotic genome
organisation and evolution.
The fundamental aim of this project is to understand the evolutionary
forces that control TE frequency, distribution and diversity within
and among natural and domesticated strains of yeast, with a focus on
species in the genus Saccharomyces. Advances in understanding of the
genomic organisation and diversity of yeast TE sequences will aid
studies of other fungal genomes of importance in environmental
processes such as nutrient recycling. They will also be used to
improve the ability to genotype yeast strains using TEs as markers.
This project will provide training in genome bioinformatics,
evolutionary biology and high-throughput genotyping. Opportunities
for field work to collect natural yeast strains is also anticipated
pending approval from NERC. Students with interests in genomics,
population genetics and/or computational biology are particularly
encouraged to apply. This project is a collaboration between Dr.
Casey Bergman at the University of Manchester and Dr Ian Roberts at
the National Collection of Yeast Cultures.