Genomic analysis of metabolic diversity in the enigmatic algae Euglena

Euglena are protists - eukaryotic microorganisms with a unique evolutionary history that has left them with a highly diverse and unusual biosynthetic capability.

There are nearly 1,000 known species covering a variety of lifestyles, including photosynthetic, mixotrophic, and heterotrophic lineages. 

These enigmatic species produce many bioactive metabolites used in the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and nutraceuticals - making Euglena a group of interest in industrial applications. 

Little is known, however, about the diversity and distribution of metabolic processes across different species, or the genetic control and evolutionary history of these pathways in Euglena. 

This project will use the latest genomic technologies to generate new Euglena genomes, providing a unique opportunity to study novel biological questions about their metabolism using comparative genomics. 

The student will assemble and annotate high-quality genomes and transcriptomes and conduct analyses to: 

• describe the metabolic potential across species using comparative genomics techniques to explore differences and create a pan genome for the Euglena genus; 
• determine genomic variation between species with different lifestyles by investigating the distribution of metabolic pathways and key components of the cell architecture; 
• and, investigate mechanisms of gene expression control in key metabolic pathways in culturable Euglena species by generating new transcriptomic and metabolomic data sets.

The project will be conducted at the Earlham Institute, a BBSRC-supported research centre in genomics, and data driven bioscience. 

This project aligns with the Institute’s BBSRC-funded Strategic Programme, Decoding Biodiversity, providing access to resources, mentorship, and expertise.

The student will also have access to a range of training and the support of an active student body.
 

Further Reading:

• Ebenezer TE., et al.Euglena International Network (EIN): Driving euglenoid biotechnology for the benefit ofa challenged world. Biol Open. 2022 Nov 1;11(11):bio059561. 10.1242/bio.059561
• Blaxter M., et al. Why sequence all eukaryotes? Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2022 19(4):e2115636118. 10.1073/pnas.2115636118
• Žárský V., et al. The Mastigamoeba balamuthi Genome and the Nature of the Free-Living Ancestor of Entamoeba. Mol Biol Evol. 2021;38(6):2240-2259. doi: 10.1093/molbev/msab020.
• Warring SD., et al. Small RNAs Are Implicated in Regulation of Gene and Transposable Element Expression in the Protist Trichomonas vaginalis. mSphere. 6;6(1):e01061-20.
• Nader JL., et al. Evolutionary genomics of anthroponosis in Cryptosporidium. Nat Microbiol. 2019 4(5):826-836. doi: 10.1038/s41564-019-0377-x

Further Information:

Application deadline: Monday 20 November 2023 (23:59 i.e.,midnight).

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 23, 24 or 25 January 2024.

Visit the NRPDTP website for further information on eligibility and how to apply.

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) PhD studentship.

The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2023/4 stipend rate: £18,622), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.

Entry requirments:
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master's degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).