- at DynaMo Center of Excellence

Are you interested in finding novel molecular regulatory mechanisms? And are you looking for a project in a scientific stimulating environment? If yes, we might have the right project for you.

DynaMo – the research group

DynaMo - Danish National Research Foundation Center of Excellence for Dynamic Molecular Interactions - was established in January 2012. We use glucosinolate biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana as a model pathway to study biological phenomena. In the regulation and interactomics subgroup we try to find and understand novel molecular regulatory mechanisms exploited by living organisms to control their metabolism. 

At DynaMo we offer you an active and international study environment including weekly group meetings and access to our international seminar series with invited speakers leading in their field. In return we expect that you display your full potential through strong drive and discipline throughout the research project. You will be an integrated part of the Center. Both Danish and foreign students are encouraged to apply.

Find out more about DynaMo at http://dynamo.ku.dk

Project 1: miRNA - function and target

We have indications of a miRNA targeting a gene in the glucosinolate pathway. In this project, your task would be to show that the proposed pri-miRNA is processed into the mature miRNA and that it really down-regulates its predicted target. You will also have to look into where the miRNA is expressed in planta, which will tell us something about its biological role.

Project 2: Regulatory RNAs - where and why

Regulatory RNAs seem to be able to regulate glucosinolate production, however, we do not know how and where. You will look into where and maybe under which conditions the regulatory RNA is expressed in order to understand its role in glucosinolate regulation.

Project 3: Transcription factors – another layer of regulation

A set of transcription factors activating genes in the glucosinolate pathway are known. However, their presence or absence do not explain the glucosinolate profile. Your project will be to look into, which promoters the known transcriptions factors bind. Furthermore, you will investigate new transcription factor candidates for their ability to control transcription of biosynthetic genes in the glucosinolate pathway.

Methods – what you can learn

Transiently and stable transformation of Arabidopsis and tobacco, bioinformatics, cloning, glucosinolate analysis by HPLC, microscopy, qPCR, in situ PCR, transactivation assays, genotyping, phenotyping etc.

Contact persons:

Associate Professor Meike Burow
PhD Student Lea Møller Jensen

Application

Your application must include:

• Motivational letter
• Preferred choice of research topic
• CV
• Grade transcript

Please email your application to (subject: Master project application).