The message in the noise: characterisation and quantification of noise in alternative splicing

Nearly all human genes undergo alternative splicing (AS) - the process by which different transcripts are generated from a single gene. AS can generate transcripts with strikingly different functions, either due to truncation of the protein coding sequence or alteration of functional domains. AS is highly regulated during development and across tissues involved in processes such as cell differentiation, migration, and cancer.

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Exploring how RNA splicing influences the transcriptional landscape of wheat.

Are you interested in a career in bioinformatics, genomics, or machine learning? Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge research in plant science? The Earlham Institute’s vibrant, interdisciplinary research team values diverse perspectives and collaboration and is working to unravel the complexities of RNA splicing in wheat.

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Single-cell CSI: Development and application of single-cell DNA profiling in forensic science

Every nucleated cell has the potential to identify us. We shed cells wherever we go and different types of contact result in the transfer and mixture of different cell types. Conventional forensic DNA recovery loses information about the molecule - or cell - the DNA originated from. This information could be critical in mixed samples and establishing where a DNA molecule came from, when it was transferred, and by whom. This project will combine advances in single-cell isolation,

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Cellular response to DNA replication stress

Complete, accurate genome replication is essential for all life on earth. However, the machines that replicate the DNA must overcome many obstacles, including transcription and DNA damage, collectively termed ‘replication stress’. A replication fork that encounters an obstacle may stall and activate a cellular surveillance mechanism, called a checkpoint. The activated checkpoint stabilises the stalled replication fork and inhibits further DNA replication to prevent the accumulation of further problems. This project will apply our cutting-edge single molecule, genomic technology to discover how cells respond to replication stress.

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Engineering stable designer chromosomes

Recent technological advances allow us to write and build whole chromosomes, allowing unprecedented potential for the design and creation of cellular machines. Synthetic designer de novo chromosomes will allow us to address fundamental biological questions, to systematically refactor genetic components, to incorporate large-scale metabolic pathways, and ultimately to engineer programmable organisms.

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Decoding blood formation: Exploring the Hidden Pathways from Stem Cells to Platelets

Blood clotting is an essential response to injury and is crucial for survival. Platelets are the cells responsible and need to be produced at an astonishing rate of 1 trillion cells per hour to maintain this function. Failure to do so can be life threatening and is a frequent issue in the elderly, cancer patients, and people with autoimmune diseases. Unfortunately the mechanism of platelet production is poorly understood. To

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Boosting Immunity Through Diet: Exploring How Low-Protein Diets Reshape Blood Stem Cell and Natural Killer Cell Responses to Pathogens

Western diets rich in fats and sugars are linked to obesity and more frequent infections. In contrast, plant-based diets have been associated with increased longevity and decreased infections in the elderly. Transitioning to a plant-based diet typically involves decreased protein intake through reduced meat consumption. However, the impact of low-protein diet on human health, particularly immune function, remains poorly understood. My group in

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