Understanding how production of dimethylsulfoniopropionate by plants affects global sulfur cycling

MILLER_UBIO25ARIES

Understanding how production of dimethylsulfoniopropionate by plants affects global sulfur cycling

MILLER_UBIO25ARIES

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Ben Miller, Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia – contact me

Professor Jonathan Todd, School of Biological Sciences, UEA

Professor David Oram, School of Environmental Sciences, UEA

 

Scientific background

Billions of tonnes of the organosulfur compound dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) are made each year by marine algae, corals and bacteria. DMSP is a key marine nutrient pivotal in global sulfur cycling, as it is the main precursor of the climate-active gas dimethylsulfide (DMS), which gives the seaside its distinctive smell. Some plant species also make DMSP, and, although DMSP is established as an anti-stress molecule in marine algae and bacteria, its role in plants is less well understood. DMSP production is thought to allow plants to tolerate conditions associated with growing in stressful environments, e.g. the coast. Some plants produce DMSP at very high levels, including the cordgrass Spartina, which is reported to be the major DMSP producer in saltmarshes that are global hotspots for DMSP/DMS production. Using Spartina, we have recently discovered the first genes responsible for DMSP production in plants. Determining the overall contribution of plants to DMSP/DMS production is key to understand sulfur cycling in the natural environment.

Research methodology

In this project, we will explore how DMSP produced by plants affects their growth and survival in the natural environment. You will evaluate DMSP production in plants grown under different environmental conditions using established analytical techniques, e.g. gas chromatography. You will also build on our recent work identifying DMSP synthesis genes and test how manipulation of these genes can be used to alter DMSP levels in plants.

Training

This multi-disciplinary project will offer the student excellent training opportunities in plant biology (including plant physiology and stress biology), bioinformatics, and the molecular biology and biochemistry of DMSP/DMS. Furthermore, you will receive training in data analysis and manuscript preparation, whilst also having regular opportunities to present their work at national and international meetings.

Person specification

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with strong interests in plant biology, molecular biology, biochemistry and the natural environment, and who can thrive in a multi-disciplinary research laboratory. Candidates should have a background in biological or environmental sciences.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Plant Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Natural Sciences

References

  • Payet et al. (2024) Nature Communications. In press
  • Carrión et al. (2023) Advances in Microbial Physiology. doi:10.1016/bs.ampbs.2023.03.001
  • Peng et al. (2022) Nature Communications. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-30491-5
  • Williams et al. (2019) Nature Microbiology. doi:10.1038/s41564-019-0527-1
  • Curson et al. (2017) Nature Microbiology. doi:10.1038/nmicrobiol.2017.9

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2025. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 8th January 2025.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£19,237 p.a. for 2024/25) and research funding. A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note however that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgradute researcher (PGRs) benefit from bespoke graduate training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or imigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive, and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential, and will be stored on the UEA sharepoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships, and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be ask to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • If funded under the BBSRC-NERC DLA scheme, ARIES studentships will be subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. See https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information

Apply Now

Apply via the  University of East Anglia application portal