2027-B02 Microbial lipid cycling in the oceans: an integrated ‘omics’ approach
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
- Marine microbes meet omics
- World-leading supervisory team on marine microbiology and ecology
- Unique opportunity to study marine microbes at Birmingham, Warwick and Plymouth.
Overview
Lipids, containing carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur, are a major component of all living cells and are constantly released into the oceans due to programmed cell death, viral infections and zooplankton grazing. Current estimates suggest that lipids can account for ~10% of total dissolved organic matter (DOC) in the oceans. However, our knowledge on microbial lipid transformation in the oceans is very limited. Neither the identities of the microbes involved, nor the mechanisms by which lipids are degraded, have been well understood.
A major hurdle in understanding the microbial lipid cycle lies in the difficulty in characterizing and quantifying numerous lipid classes in marine samples. Commonly observed lipids in marine ecosystems include phospholipids, glycolipids and amino acid-containing lipids. Recent advances in technologies such as liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) has enabled high throughput identification and quantification of thousands of cellular lipid molecular species (Shevchenko, 2010), which now enables lipid characterization both qualitatively and quantitatively. Indeed, lipidomics is starting to complement the rapid progress made in genomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics and proteomics.
Here in this project, we will combine laboratory and filed based methodologies to fully uncover the lipid cycle in marine waters. The aim of this project is thus twofold,
Firstly, we aim to establish a high throughput workflow for simultaneous determination of common lipids species in marine surface waters using our in house HPLC MS platform. This will involve examining samples from the Western English Channel, collected via the Marine Biological Association research vessel, Sepia.
Secondly, we aim to determine the identity and activity of key microbial populations in the recycling of representative lipids in marine surface waters and coastal marine sediment using integrated omics approach, e.g. high throughput sequencing of 16S/18S rRNA, metagenomics, metagenomics and lipidomics.
Case Projects
This project does not offer a CASE studentship
Host
- University of Birmingham
Theme
- Climate and Environmental Sustainability, Organisms and Ecosystems
Supervisors
Project investigator
- Yin Chen (y.chen.22@bham.ac.uk)
Co-investigators
- Katherine Helliwell, Marine Biological Association (katherine.helliwell@mba.ac.uk); Michaela Mausz, University of Warwick (M.Mausz@warwick.ac.uk)
How to apply
Each host has a slightly different application process.
Find out how to apply for this studentship.
All applications must include the CENTA application form.
Methodology
Microbial lipids identification will be carried out by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS).
Nutrients and key intermediates in lipid degradation pathways will be analysed by established chromatography techniques, such as ion-exchange chromatography and gas chromatography, and analysis guided by our previous extensive characterisation of laboratory strains.
Microbial community analyses will be carried out using amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes, metatranscriptomics and metagenomics.
Training and skills
Partners and collaboration
Possible timeline
Further reading
Further details and How to Apply
Applicants should hold a BSc and/or MSc degree in relevant subjects. Informal enquires can be made to Prof Yin Chen (y.chen.22@bham.ac.uk).
To apply to this project:
- You must include a CENTA studentship application form, downloadable from: CENTA Studentship Application Form 2027
- You must include a CV with the names of at least two referees (preferably three) who can comment on your academic abilities.
- Please submit your application and complete the host institution application process via: https://admissions.bham.ac.uk/course-finder-landing-page/?code=LES068 Please select the PhD in School of Biosciences (CENTA) 2027 entry year Apply Now button. The CENTA Studentship Application Form 2027 and CV can both be uploaded to the Personal Statement section of the online form. In the funding section of the online form please select Research Council Funding and then choose Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Please quote CENTA 2027-B02 when completing the application form.
Applications must be submitted by 23:59 GMT on Wednesday 6th January 2027.
