Studentship | Understanding the physiological roles and pathological impacts of ER-Autophagy

MRC Funded
Project with


Autophagy is a lysosomal degradation pathway that is activated upon stress to facilitate clearance of damaged/toxic intracellular contents and recycle essential building blocks to sustain cell survival. The Liang Lab has a particular interest in understanding the physiological roles and pathological impacts of endoplasmic reticulum-specific autophagy (ER-phagy). We previously performed genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens and uncovered many novel players that regulate ER-phagy (Liang and Corn, 2022). This includes a Ubiquitin-like modification, known as UFMylation, which we implicated in ER-phagy and ER stress regulation (Liang et al., 2020, Liang et al. 2018). Clinical mutation of genes involved in the UFMylation pathway results in striking neurodevelopmental, immunological and hematopoetic defects, underscoring the potential involvement of ER-phagy in these biologies.

A PhD project is available to understand the roles of other novel ER-phagy players uncovered from our genome-wide CRISPR screen. This project will utilise state-of-the-art microscopy, protein biochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and CRISPR-based genetic manipulations to explore the roles of various novel factors in ER-phagy regulation and how their dysregulation translates to pathology.

Reference:

  1. Liang, JR and Corn, JE 2022. A CRISPR view on autophagy. Trends in Cell Biology.
  2. Liang JR, Lingeman E, Luong T, Ahmed S, Muhar M, Nguyen T, Olzmann JA, Corn JE (2019) A genome-wide screen for ER autophagy highlights key roles of mitochondrial metabolism and ER-resident UFMylation Cell 180 1160-1177
  3. Liang JR, Lingeman E, Ahmed S, Corn JE (2018) Atlastins remodel the endoplasmic reticulum for selective autophagy. Journal of Cell Biology J Cell Biol 217 3354-3367




At the MRC PPU, as well as the possibility of a PhD in one particular lab, we offer the possibility of two 4.5-month rotations in labs of their choice. A range of other projects from MRC PPU scientists are advertised on this website. Rotations provide valuable experience and help with deciding on the choice of PhD project and research group.

Application Procedure

We are currently accepting applications for our 2024 programme. To apply, please send the following to mrcppu-phd-admin@dundee.ac.uk

  • Cover letter explaining your interest in our work. Please also indicate which group(s) you are most interested in, and whether you prefer rotations or would like to join one lab directly.
  • CV with contact details of three referees

Applications from overseas students are welcome. The closing date for this round of applications is 31st March 2024.