Přehled

Supervisor: Petr Svoboda

Project description

Small RNAs serve as sequence-specific guides in numerous RNA silencing pathways. Evolution of these pathways took different trajectories during animal evolution. For example, mammals extensively utilize the microRNA pathway in almost all cells to regulate genes and the piRNA pathway in the germline for repression of mobile elements and occasional gene control. This PhD project will capitalize on previous research of the group and investigate specific instances in animals, where the molecular machinery of RNA silencing acquired unique adaptations to support specific functions of RNA silencing. Of particular focus will be adaptations associated with miRNA pathway function and their defects in cancer and other pathologies. This position is funded by Project OP JAK – RNA for therapy, registration number: CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004575

Candidate profile

M.Sc. or equivalent in molecular biology or related field obtained before July 2025
Curiosity and Endurance
Solid knowledge of molecular and cell biology
At least some elementary experience with molecular biology (level PCR and miniprep)
Advantage if having experience with recombinant proteins and mammalian cell culture

Suggested reading

Martin Jinek and Jennifer A. Doudna: A three-dimensional view of the molecular machinery of RNA interference. Nature 2009 457: 405-412.
Ketting RF. The many faces of RNAi. Dev Cell. 2011 Feb 15;20(2):148-61.
Zapletal D, Kubicek K, Svoboda P, Stefl R: Dicer structure and function: conserved and evolving features. EMBO Rep 2023 24(7): e57215.

APPLY AT: img.cas.cz/phd