Two PhD studentships are available in the Murphy/Peer lab, Purdue University, USA

September 23, 2009

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Two PhD studentships are available in the Murphy/Peer lab, Purdue University.

Structure/function analysis of dicot and monocot ABCB transporters
The Murphy lab group studies the regulation of auxin transport and the function of plant ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Using molecular modeling and mutational analyses, we have developed an experimental plan for wlucidating the mechanisms underlying auxin transport mediated by the ABCB class of plant auxin transporters. The student working in this project will be trained in the use of computational modeling tools, analysis of the transport characteristics of mutated plant ABCB transporters after heterologous expression in the yeast S. pombe (Yang and Murphy, 2009), and analysis of mutated transporter function in Arabidopsis. The work in planta will also include the use inducible expression, overexpression, and RNA interference to analyze the function of redundant transporters. The ultimate objective of this work is the development of methodologuies to manipulate plant form and biomass in both monocot and dicot crops.

Elucidation of APM1 regulation of the cell cycle and cell division
The Peer lab group studies seedling establishment, meristem maintenance, and the role of small molecule regulators in these processes. A single copy gene encoding a member of the M1 family of zinc metallopeptidases, Aminopeptidase M1 (APM1) regulates root meristem maintenance in Arabidopsis and is required for normal root development (Peer et al, 2009). APM1 loss-of-functions mutants show distinct developmental defects in embryogenesis and seedling development, indicating that APM1 function is required at two distinct times during development. Defects in mitosis (G2/M) are shown in specific cell types at each stage. In animals, M1 aminopeptidases have been shown to play roles in meiosis and mitosis. We were able to separate APM1 embryonic and seedling functions by using inducible silencing (artificial microRNA) of APM1 in wild type at different stages to ‘phenocopy’ the mutant defects and inducible expression of APM1 in the mutant to rescue the defects. Using this inducible system we can manipulate the timing of the cell cycle/division events and elucidate the role of APM1 in cell cycle/division regulation. The student working in this project will be trained in the use of molecular genetic, cell biology and biochemistry techniques.

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Wendy Peer (peer@purdue.edu) or Angus Murphy (murphy@purdue.edu) for information regarding application for the positions and to the graduate program in the Department of Horticulture at Purdue University. Graduate Studies at Purdue are noted for their emphasis on plant biology and for their continuing expansion of plant biology faculty. Laboratory and core facilities for plant biology research at Purdue are state of the art and are supported by extensive growth facilities including contained environment and outdoor growing units. Information on the department can be found at http://www.ag.purdue.edu/HLA/Pages/default.aspx.

Purdue University is an Equal Access/Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and individuals of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Homepage : Dept. of Horticulture

Category : PhD Fellowship
Contact address : Dept. of Horticulture
625 Agriculture Mall Drive
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA

Keywords : Plant biology, biochemistry, cell and developmental biology

Scholarship Tags: PhD Scholarships