Utilizing Novel Imaging Methods to Resolve Redox Stress Responses Induced by Climate Change
Supervisors:
Dr Matt Jones, School of Molecular Biosciences (University of Glasgow)
Prof Ian Dodd, Lancaster Environment Centre (Lancaster University)
Summary:
If we are to understand how plants respond to the effects of climate change (including drought and high temperature stress) we need to measure both the immediate changes in metabolism inflicted by stress and the consequences of these changes. Immediate consequences of metabolic stress include production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), in part because of impaired photosynthetic electron transport. ROS have additionally been co-opted as signaling molecules, thereby allowing the integration of metabolic signals into the regulation of nuclear gene expression.
This PhD project will utilize a novel combination of bioluminescent and fluorescent molecular probes to monitor the initial molecular consequences of stress in vivo and reveal how these changes are communicated between shoots and roots. The successful applicant will obtain expertise in cutting-edge imaging methods and apply genetics and molecular biology techniques to understand the biological relevance of these changes. There will also be an opportunity to analyze high throughput sequencing data and gain experience in physiological measurements of plant water status and gas exchange. These skills are highly sought after by industry employers that seek to understand the mechanisms by which bespoke products (e.g. biostimulants) affect plant performance.