Molecular adaptations underlying sugar metabolism in nectar-feeding vertebrates
- Supervisor: Professor Stephen Rossiter
- Funding: Queen Mary Principal's Studentship
- Deadline: 31st March 2022
The folllowing fully-funded PhD studentship is available in the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences with an expected start date of September 2022.
Project description
Current knowledge of the molecular basis of normal (and impaired) glucose metabolism in vertebrates comes mainly from studies of humans and laboratory mice. Yet novel insights into the molecular basis of glucose metabolism and related disorders may also be gained by studying non-model species that have evolved to subsist predominantly on high sugar diets: the nectar-feeders. We research examined molecular adaptations in nectar-feeding bats and hummingbirds and found strong evidence of selection in enzymes that have roles in glycolysis for the efficient clearance of sugars (Current Biology 31, 4667-4674, 2021).
The aim of this PhD project will be to expand on our published results by generating and incorporating genomic data from a wider sample of nectar-feeding species. This broader comparative approach will provide a much more powerful framework for pinpointing the most important molecular changes underpinning sugar metabolism in nectar-feeders. Specifically, we will first test whether independent evolutionary switches to sugar-rich diets across these lineages have involved identical (‘convergent’) amino acid replacements in key metabolism genes. Second, we will determine the functional impact of putative convergent adaptive residues, we will quantify the metabolic profiles of cell lines. There may also be the opportunity conduct fieldwork to collect new genetic material for sequencing, dependent on covid restrictions. This project will include collaboration with Dr Dunja Aksentijevic of the School of Medicine and Dentistry (QMUL). We are looking for an enthusiastic and outstanding candidate with interests in evolutionary biology, genomics and molecular biology. For informal enquires, contact Stephen Rossiter (s.j.rossiter@qmul.ac.uk).
Funding
This studentship is funded by QMUL and open to UK students. It will cover tuition fees, and provide an annual tax-free maintenance allowance for 3 years at the Research Council rate (£17,609 in 2021/22).
Eligibility and applying
Applications are invited from outstanding candidates with a first or upper-second class honours degree, and with or expecting to receive a master’s degree in a relevant subject.
Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by the stated deadline.
The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences is committed to promoting diversity in science; we have been awarded an Athena Swan Silver Award. We positively welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
http://hr.qmul.ac.uk/equality/
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sbbs/about-us/athenaswan/