PhD project

Development of mass spectrometry strategies for the identification and quantification of non-canonical ubiquitylation in biological samples

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Application deadline

29 March 2024

  • Funding – Nicholl Lindsay Scholarship funded 4-year studentship, providing tuition fees, training/research costs and an annual tax free stipend of £18,622
  • Start Date – Monday 9th September 2024
  • Applicants are expected to have a degree (equivalent of Honours or Masters) in a relevant discipline.

Ubiquitin is conjugated to target proteins via isopeptide bonds, a very stable linkage that can be retained within a large range of pH and temperatures. However, a stream of recent literature has identified several eukaryotic ubiquitin enzymes (E3 ligases) that promote ubiquitylation on residues such as threonine, serine and on bacterial lipopolysaccharides (non-canonical ubiquitylation). The ester bond formed between ubiquitin and threonine/serine or lipopolysaccharides is more chemically labile than the isopeptide bond. Therefore, ubiquitylation events built upon ester bonds are often missed as they are not retained during standard sample preparation procedures because of their labile nature. Appropriate mass spectrometry methods are urgently needed to accurately detect and quantify non-canonical ubiquitylation events in complex biological samples. Aim of this project is to develop both targeted and non-targeted mass spectrometry tools to detect non-canonical ubiquitylation events in complex matrices, to study the molecular mechanisms involved in their formation as well as their biological role. 

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.

How to apply

Applications are open to students who qualify for Home Fees. Fee status is determined by the University Fee Status Assessment, check the types of fee status here.

Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your application.

For general enquiries, please contact SLS-PhDAdmin@dundee.ac.uk

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Supervisors

Principal supervisor

Second supervisor

Funding

PhD funding

This fund was established by two sisters, Miss EN Lindsay and Miss MN Lindsay, leaving money to the University from their estates to be used for a Postgraduate scholarship in Engineering and in Physics/Chemistry.

Funding eligibility: UK