Faculty of Science

Revealing the structural basis of gene regulation in paraspeckles

Our overarching research goal is to understand the processes of gene regulation, which are fundamentally important in health and disease.

  1. Summary of the project
  2. Eligibility criteria
  3. Readings
  4. Contact the research team
  5. How to apply
  6. Scholarships

Summary of the project

At the heart of our understanding of gene regulation lies a swathe of protein:protein interactions, which exist in a dynamic network of exchanging partners and changing localisation.

When this fine balance of interactions gets perturbed, by changes in expression levels and/or localisation of protein and RNA molecules, this can lead to various conditions including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

Proteins and non-coding RNA molecules in human cell nuclei are organised into ribonucleoprotein bodies, including nucleoli, Cajal bodies, nuclear speckles, and the subject of this proposed research, paraspeckles. (Bond and Fox, 2009).

In our laboratory we are using the tools of structural and molecular biology to characterise the detailed interactions between the proteins and nucleic acids that make up paraspeckles, and to understand how they affect the control of gene regulation (e.g. Fox et al, 2005, Passon et al, 2012).

Recent research (e.g. Liu et al 2014) links these specific interactions to the progression of prostate cancer, neuroblastoma and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and so the outcomes of our studies will be a molecular mechanistic basis for these conditions, and identification of specific targets that are suitable for rational drug design.

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Eligibility criteria

General UWA PhD entrance requirements can be found on the Future Students website.

In addition applicants for this project need to demonstrate adequate research by showing:

  • laboratory research experience in biochemistry, chemistry or a similar discipline
  • a sound understanding of the principles behind chromatography and protein crystallisation

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Readings

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Contact the research team leader

Once you have ensured that you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to discuss a proposal, contact the research team leader to identify a potential supervisor.

Research team leader: Professor Charles Bond
I first became interested in chemistry at school in the United Kingdom and went on to study at the University in Manchester. After completing my PhD on the structure of proteins I pursued this field as a post-doctoral researcher in Sydney and as a research fellow at the School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, UK. I was recruited to UWA as a structural biologist in 2006. In addition to researching the structure of biomolecular complexes I have also developed and published related computer software programs.
 

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How to apply

After you have discussed your project with the research team leader you should be in a position to proceed to step two of the UWA application process: 'Lodge an application'.

Different procedures apply to domestic and international students.

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Scholarships

Domestic students

All domestic students may apply for Research Training Program and University Postgraduate Awards (UPA) scholarships.

The Australian Government's Endeavour Awards and Scholarships are available to Australian applicants for study in participating countries and regions.

International students

A range of scholarships are available from international organisations and governments. The full list, organised by country, is available on the Future Students website.

In addition, all international students may apply for International Research Training Program scholarships.

The Australian Government's Endeavour Awards and Scholarships are available to international applicants from participating countries and regions.

Indigenous students

Indigenous students are encouraged to apply for Indigenous Postgraduate Research Supplementary Scholarships.

Forrest Foundation scholarships

All international and Australian students who wish to study towards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at The University of Western Australia may apply for Forrest Scholarships.

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