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Organization: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Location: Cambridge, Uk

Field: Molecular Biology

Abstract:

T helper cells play a central role in the regulation of the immune system. Depending on the type of infection, different defence mechanisms are required.

Description:

Academic Supervisor: Dr Sarah Teichmann, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
T helper cells play a central role in the regulation of the immune system. Depending on the type of infection, different defence mechanisms are required. To facilitate this, naïve helper T cells upon activation differentiate into functionally distinct subtypes. Several key transcription factors have been identified for each of these subtypes, and by analysis of transcriptomics data, new ones can be identified. We want to resolve the contributions of the known and predicted transcription factors in a genome-wide and cell generation-specific manner using next-generation sequencing. To this end, we will map binding sites of major TFs in a genome-wide manner using Chromatin Immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq). Extensive bioinformatical analyses of the data obtained, as well as integration with single cell and single molecule data, will provide a leap in our understanding Th differentiation. This work is a collaboration between the Betz and Teichmann groups at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, and the R&D Laboratories at Abcam.
Related background publications:
Bioinformatics: EpiChIP: gene-by-gene quantification of epigenetic modification levels.
Hebenstreit D, Gu M, Haider S, Turner DJ, Liò P, Teichmann SA.
Nucleic Acids Res. 2010 Dec 3. [Epub ahead of print]
Immunology: Specific immunosuppression with inducible Foxp3-transduced polyclonal T cells.
Andersen KG, Butcher T, Betz AG.
PLoS Biol. 2008 Nov 11;6(11):e276.
Further information:
Dr Sarah Teichmann Lab
http://www.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/tcb/teichmann_research.html
Dr Alex Betz Lab
http://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/groups/betz/
Abcam
www.abcam.com
 
Please email phd.enquiries@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk with ‘Teichmann Abcam CASE PhD Project’ in the email subject title if you would like to apply for this position, and include your CV and a personal statement of no more than 1000 words, describing your motivation and aptitude for this position.
Please also arrange for two, or preferably three, referees to directly submit references for you to phd.enquiries@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk before the application deadline. Electronic references should be either a pdf letter on a headed document with an electronic signature, or a scan of the signed hardcopy reference letter on headed paper.
Early application is recommended.
 
Funding:
The project is supported by a 4-year BBSRC CASE PhD studentship covering fees at home/EU rate plus a living costs allowance of £13,590 and a CASE supplement of £2,500 per annum (totalling £16,090 p.a. not subject to income-tax).
 
Residence eligibility:
UK and EU students who will have resided in the UK for at least 3 years by 1st September 2011 are eligible

Deadline: 31-03-2011

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