Further information
All projects in 'Feeding the world'
All projects the School of Molecular Sciences
All projects the ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Energy Biology
Search projects by research theme
- Feeding the world
- Preventing, diagnosing and treating disease
- Furthering human knowledge and serving humanity
- Harnessing resources and energy for a sustainable future
- Restoring and maintaining balance in our natural environment
- Optimising physical and mental performance
Search projects by schools and centres
We have identified an import receptor that is involved in the import of tRNA molecules into mitochondria.
- Summary of the project
- Eligibility criteria
- Readings
- Contact the research team leader
- How to apply
- Scholarships
Summary of the project
This is the first account of a putative tRNA import component and thus is a major target for the regulation and biogenesis via altering tRNA import rates and specificity. The mechanisms of translocation will be determined and by modification of this receptor mitochondrial activity and function will be investigated with regards to mass, number and function.The mechanisms of mitochondrial protein import have been analysed in great detail over the last 20 years mainly in yeast and to a smaller extent in plants. However, there are other aspects of mitochondrial biogenesis that have been largely overlooked, namely the import of cytosolic tRNA.
Whilst the mitochondrial genome may only encode for a small number of proteins, many of these are essential for mitochondrial function, and require a complete set of tRNA to ensure efficient translation in the mitochondria.
The outcome of this research will be to define and change how tRNA import is studied and provide targets for the delivery of macromolecules to the mitochondrion.
The consequences of such will be in the ability to alter mitochondrial biogenesis, mass and function allowing for new approaches to be undertaken to increase plant growth, productivity and resistance to stress.
Eligibility criteria
General UWA PhD entrance requirements can be found on the Future Students website.
Readings
- Murcha MW, Kmiec B, Kubiszewski-Jakubiak S, Teixeira PF, Glaser E, Whelan J. Protein import into plant mitochondria: signals, machinery, processing, and regulation. J Exp Bot. 2014 Dec;65(22):6301-35.
- Schneider A. Mitochondrial tRNA import and its consequences for mitochondrial translation. Annu Rev Biochem. 2011;80:1033-53.
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.
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.
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.
University information
CRICOS Code: 00126G
