Faculty of Science

Understanding the regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis

This project involves understanding the mechanisms involved in the regulation and coordination of mitochondrial biogenesis with respect to vital developmental processes and functions.

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

Summary of the project

Mitochondria are semi-autonomous organelles essential for cellular function responding to tissue and developmental demands in almost all eukaryotic cells.

As the majority of the mitochondrial proteome is nuclear encoded, proteins and macromolecules must first be imported and assembled correctly to function.

The Murcha group’s research focuses on these import pathways and the factors that regulate these processes throughout plant development and stress.  

We have uncovered a molecular link between the mitochondrial import apparatus, TIM17:23 complex and the respiratory chain complex I.

This interaction via the sharing of a single subunit is an elegant mechanism to coordinated mitochondrial activity and biogenesis.

By utilising this model, a forward genetic approach can be used to identify the factors that regulate mitochondrial activity and function.

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Eligibility criteria

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

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Reading

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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: Associate Professor Monika Murcha
I am an ARC Future Fellow affiliated with the UWA node of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology. My research utilises a variety of cutting-edge molecular and biochemical techniques to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, underlying cellular activity, plant growth and responses to stress.
 

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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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