Cutting the Fat (RNA): Investigating the role of SNORD116 in RNA processing during adipocyte development (SMITH_U26DTP)

The development of adipocyte metabolism is crucial for the overall health of a population. Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are a class of ncRNAs that are emerging as important regulators of developmental biology, capable of regulating the processing of RNA. In this project, the student will investigate how snoRNAs contribute to the metabolic development of adipocytes, and their roles in regulating RNA processing.

The student will use state-of-the-art gene edited pluripotent stem cells to gain new insights relating to the mechanisms involved in regulating adipocyte metabolism. Training will be provided in the areas of stem cell biology, differentiation, advanced flow cytometry, single cell sorting, metabolomics and long-read RNA-sequencing.

As well as the specific training detailed above, students will have access to high-quality training in scientific and generic skills, as well as access to a wide-range of seminars and training opportunities.

The project will be carried out at the Smith Lab at the Bob Champion Research and Education building, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia.