Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulations
Open PhD positions
Project: Evolutionary adaptations of Dicer enzymes
Supervisor
Petr Svoboda
Project description
Small RNAs serve as sequence-specific guides in numerous RNA silencing pathways. Evolution of these pathways took different trajectories during animal evolution. For example, mammals extensively utilize the microRNA pathway in almost all cells to regulate genes and the piRNA pathway in the germline for repression of mobile elements and occasional gene control. This PhD project will capitalize on previous research of the group and investigate specific instances in animals, where the molecular machinery of RNA silencing acquired unique adaptations to support specific functions of RNA silencing. Of particular focus will be adaptations associated with miRNA pathway function and their defects in cancer and other pathologies. This position is funded by Project OP JAK – RNA for therapy, registration number: CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004575
Candidate profile
M.Sc. or equivalent in molecular biology or related field obtained before July 2025
Curiosity and Endurance
Solid knowledge of molecular and cell biology
At least some elementary experience with molecular biology (level PCR and miniprep)
Advantage if having experience with recombinant proteins and mammalian cell culture
Suggested reading
Martin Jinek and Jennifer A. Doudna: A three-dimensional view of the molecular machinery of RNA interference. Nature 2009 457: 405-412. [doi]
Ketting RF. The many faces of RNAi. Dev Cell. 2011 Feb 15;20(2):148-61. [pubmed] [doi]
The aim of this project is to characterize the piRNA pathway and its biological role in a molluscan laboratory model, the snail of the genus Deroceras. Both, cross-fertilization and self-fertilization occur in the snail species Deroceras laeve. The type of fertilization is determined by the penis presence. Thus, within a species, aphalic forms evolve as clonal populations approaching a near inbred state, which likely limits the expansion of mobile elements. In contrast, euphalic forms exchange genetic information and allow the expansion of mobile elements in the genome. The main mechanism controlling mobile elements in the genome is the piRNA pathway. This project will identify the active mobile elements in the slug genome, determine how the mode of reproduction affects the expansion of these mobile elements in the genomes of the aphalic and euphalic forms, and how it that impacts the piRNA mechanism recognizing and silencing these mobile elements.
Candidate profile
M.Sc. or equivalent in molecular biology or related field obtained before July 2025
Curiosity and Endurance
Solid knowledge of molecular and cell biology
At least some elementary experience with molecular biology (level PCR and miniprep)
Advantage if having experience with field work
Suggested reading
Fejes Tóth K, Pezic D, Stuwe E, Webster A: The piRNA Pathway Guards the Germline Genome Against Transposable Elements. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016 886:51–77. [doi]
