Project Description
Supervisors
Professor Jonathan Todd, BIO, UEA
Dr Ruth Airs, PML
Dr Frances Hopkins, PML
Dr Moxon, UEA, BIO
Introduction
Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is one of Earth’s most abundant organosulfur molecules. It is an anti-stress compound that is produced by many marine phytoplankton and bacteria. When released into the environment, DMSP has important roles in global nutrient and sulfur cycling, signalling pathways and in climate, since DMSP catabolism can generate the climate-active gas dimethylsulfide (DMS). In three recent Nature Microbiology publications we identified the key genes for DMSP synthesis in bacteria and phytoplankton, but no studies have used these new molecular tools to examine DMSP synthesis in any environment.
This project will:
– Explore the role of microbes in DMSP cycling at a world-renowned sampling station in the English Channel using cutting edge molecular techniques.
Methodology
You will use traditional oceanographic sampling combined with molecular ecology techniques, including gene-probing, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, to study microbial populations that produce and catabolise DMSP in surface ocean samples from the English Channel (www.westernchannelobservatory.org.uk) over six-month study. The expression and abundance of the key genes will be assayed by PCR-based techniques. DMS and DMSP will be analysed by chromatography and mass spectroscopy-based methods to quantify rates of DMSP synthesis and catabolism. You will combine geochemical and molecular approaches to identify key microbes that produce and catabolise DMSP, identify the key genes and cognate pathways that contribute to the flux of these influential molecules. Culture-dependent studies on model microbes that make DMSP will enable the investigation of conditions that affect DMSP production. This project will provide essential data to enable scientists to better understand key biotransformations in the global sulfur cycle.
Training
You will receive exceptional training in molecular ecology and microbiology, bioinformatics, analytical chemistry, ecosystem modelling and in writing publications and will give presentations at international conferences. You will undertake research at UEA and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, gaining experience of working on-board a research ship during coastal marine fieldwork. You will learn good laboratory practice, quality assurance, and receive health and safety training.
Person specification
We require a committed individual keen to master a wide range of techniques on this multidisciplinary project, who has experience in some of the key components.