PhD position at University of Edinburgh – Antiviral defence during early development Description

Posted on December 6, 2024

The major innate immune response against viruses, the type I interferon response, is inactive during the very early days of embryonic development. As such, mammalian embryos may have developed alternative strategies to defend against viruses. We hypothesize that embryonic-specific RNA-binding proteins may act as powerful antiviral mechanisms. To test this, this project will screen a selected group of RNA-binding proteins predicted to protect cells from viruses. CRISPR-mediated technologies will be used to inactivate the genes of interest to measure antiviral resistance. Molecular biology techniques, including iCLIP and pull-downs coupled with mass spectrometry, will be used to identify the mechanism by which RNA-binding proteins act as antiviral factors. We expect to find novel mechanisms by which cells defend against viruses, especially important during embryonic development.

Witteveldt J, Knol L, Macias S (2019) MiRNA-deficient mouse embryonic stem cells acquire a functional Interferon response. eLife pii: e44171. doi: 10.7554/eLife.44171

Mueller F, Witteveldt J, Macias S (2024) Antiviral defence mechanisms during early mammalian development. Viruses 16(2), 173

Institution
The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is an internationally renowned centre for teaching and research. We’re consistently ranked one of the best 50 universities in the world and one of the world’s top research-intensive universities. Embarking on a PhD with the University of Edinburgh is an extraordinary adventure that will develop your skills, deepen your knowledge and open unexpected opportunities. Our PhDs are designed to help you achieve your potential through 3 to 4 transformative years of research. Our programmes will challenge you personally and intellectually, and they will allow you to make a substantial contribution to your field of study, working alongside world-renowned experts.

Supervisor – Dr. Sara Macias
https://saramaciasribela.wixsite.com/maciaslab

Interested candidates get in touch ([email protected]) sending your CV and motivation letter.
20^th December 2024 (internal deadline)