Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Epigenetic control of repetitive DNA in the genome of Arabidopsis lyrata,Germany

Applications are invited for a 3 year PhD position at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) in the group of Dr. Ales Pecinka studying ‘Genome and Epigenome Maintenance‘ in plants. MPIPZ offers excellent research conditions, access to state-of-the-art technologies and an international atmosphere.

A large part of eukaryotic genome consists of repetitive DNA. Repeats have important functions e.g. in constituting centromeres and telomeres. In addition, they contribute to genome rearrangements due to recombination and transposition activity. Therefore they are maintained inactive by transcriptional gene silencing, an epigenetic control mechanism that brings DNA into condensed and less accessible heterochromatic state.
   The model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and its close relative A. lyrata differ by genome size (150 vs. 250 Mbp) its expected further development (shrinking vs. expanding) and repetitive DNA content (13% vs. >40%). Recent studies revealed an incomplete TGS in A. lyrata, however, the genetic and molecular basis of this remains unknown and makes A. lyrata an attractive model for studies of genome maintenance and control of large number of repetitive DNA elements. Therefore, the aim of this PhD project is to identify molecular factors and mechanisms that are responsible for reduced epigenetic control of repetitive DNA elements in A. lyrata. To reach this goal, forward and reverse genetic screens and genome-wide epigenetic analyses will be performed using combinations of genetic, molecular, biochemical and bioinformatic approaches.

Methoden:
DNA and RNA isolation and analysis; molecular cloning; plant transformation; quantitative PCR; micrococcal nuclease assay; Chromatin immunoprecipitation; hybridization

Anfangsdatum: 2. August 2011

geschätzte Dauer: 3 years

Homepage: http://www.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/english/research/koornneefGroup/pecinka/index.html