How do RNA molecules shape genome regulation in the nervous system? (AKAY_U26CASE)
Key Details
- Application deadline
- 8 April 2026 (midnight UK time)
- Location
- UEA
- Funding type
- Directly Funded (Home applicants only)
- Start date
- 1 October 2026
- Mode of study
- Full time
- Programme type
- PhD
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Project description
Primary supervisor - Dr Alper Akay
This PhD project will investigate how RNA modifications influence the activity of topoisomerase I (TOP1), a crucial enzyme that regulates DNA supercoiling during replication and transcription. Using C. elegans genetics, advanced RNA biology techniques, and industrial biochemistry training with Inspiralis Ltd., the student will investigate how RNAs and their modifications affect topoisomerase activity during C. elegans nervous system development. This multidisciplinary project provides advanced training in molecular genetics, genomics, and translational biotechnology, equipping the student for careers in academia or industry while addressing fundamental questions in RNA biology and health. We offer a multidisciplinary and supportive research environment involving UEA, where the project will be based in Dr Alper Akay’s group (www.theakaylab.com) in collaboration with Earlham Institute (Conrad Nieduszynski - https://www.earlham.ac.uk/profile/conrad-nieduszynski) and Inspiralis Ltd. (https://www.inspiralis.com). The student will receive comprehensive support to learn diverse techniques and engage with both national and international laboratories working on RNA modifications. They will attend conferences at both national and international levels. The student will benefit from internal and external mentorship and career development support. Our RNA (epi)genetics laboratory, funded by a prestigious UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowship, provides generous resources and advanced instrumentation. This project is particularly suitable for students interested in RNA biology, biochemistry, and Oxford Nanopore sequencing.
The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 30 April 2026.
Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/.
Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.
Please read our application guidance to see our programme specific requirements, including proforma Research and Personal Statements: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/how-to-apply/application-steps/
To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website and must be used for these sections of the application form.
Entry requirements
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).
Funding
This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD CASE studentship with Inspiralis Limited. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2025/6 stipend rate: £20,780), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.
References
Bhola, M., Abe, K., Orozco, P., Rahnamoun, H., Avila-Lopez, P., Taylor, E., Muhammad, N., Liu, B., Patel, P., Marko, J. F., Starner, A. C., He, C., Nostrand, E. L. V., Mondragón, A. & Lauberth, S. M. RNA interacts with topoisomerase I to adjust DNA topology. Molecular Cell 84, 3192-3208.e11 (2024).
Cha, D. S., Hollis, S. E., Datla, U. S., Lee, S., Ryu, J., Jung, H. R., Kim, E., Kim, K., Lee, M., Li, C. & Lee, M.-H. Differential subcellular localization of DNA topoisomerase-1 isoforms and their roles during Caenorhabditis elegans development. Gene Expression Patterns 12, 189–195 (2012).
Shen, A., Hencel, K., Parker, M. T., Scott, R., Skukan, R., Adesina, A. S., Metheringham, C. L., Miska, E. A., Nam, Y., Haerty, W., Simpson, G. G. & Akay, A. U6 snRNA m6A modification is required for accurate and efficient splicing of C. elegans and human pre-mRNAs. Nucleic Acids Research gkae447 (2024). doi:10.1093/nar/gkae447
Vicente, A. M., Hencel, K., Schicktanz, J., Hammann, C., Akay, A. & Kaiser, S. NAIL-MS Elucidates Crucial tRNA U34 Modifications in Response to Heat Stress across Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes. Journal of Molecular Biology 169228 (2025). doi:10.1016/j.jmb.2025.169228
van Delft, P., Akay, A., Huber, S. M., Bueschl, C., Rudolph, K. L. M., Di Domenico, T., Schuhmacher, R., Miska, E. A. & Balasubramanian, S. The Profile and Dynamics of RNA Modifications in Animals. Chembiochem 18, 979–984 (2017).