Přehled

Supervisor: Petr Svoboda

Project description

The aim of this project is to characterize the piRNA pathway and its biological role in a molluscan laboratory model, the snail of the genus Deroceras. Both, cross-fertilization and self-fertilization occur in the snail species Deroceras laeve. The type of fertilization is determined by the penis presence. Thus, within a species, aphalic forms evolve as clonal populations approaching a near inbred state, which likely limits the expansion of mobile elements. In contrast, euphalic forms exchange genetic information and allow the expansion of mobile elements in the genome. The main mechanism controlling mobile elements in the genome is the piRNA pathway. This project will identify the active mobile elements in the slug genome, determine how the mode of reproduction affects the expansion of these mobile elements in the genomes of the aphalic and euphalic forms, and how it that impacts the piRNA mechanism recognizing and silencing these mobile elements.

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 field work

Suggested reading

Fejes Tóth K, Pezic D, Stuwe E, Webster A: The piRNA Pathway Guards the Germline Genome Against Transposable Elements. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016 886:51–77.

APPLY AT: img.cas.cz/phd