JOHN INNES CENTRE

(Norwich)

Department of Biological Chemistry

BBSRC-Case Studentship

DNA gyrase from Arabidopsis thaliana: its role in organellar replication

We have discovered that the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana encodes the DNA supercoiling enzyme DNA gyrase, an enzyme previously thought to be unique to bacteria. Results so far suggest that there are at least two gyrases, one that is specific to mitochondria and one specific to plastids (chloroplasts). The aim of this project will be to explore functional aspects of the At gyrases and investigate their roles in organellar replication. Specifically this will involve:

• Purifying the proteins, expressed in E. coli, and analysing their activities.
• Assessing the effects of drugs on the novel enzymes.
• Searching for proteins that interact with the At gyrases.
• Analysing protein-protein interactions.

This project will suit a student with a background in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related areas, and involves a wide range of techniques.

The project will be supported by Syngenta who will pay an additional stipend to the student.

Informal enquiries can be made to: Prof. A. Maxwell: (01603) 450771; tony.maxwell@bbsrc.ac.uk; http://www.le.ac.uk/biochem/staff/ony/ony.html.