Overview
Protein structural information is crucial for an understanding of protein function and evolution. Currently, only there is only experimental data for a tiny fraction of the protein universe. However, Deep Learning methods such as AlphaFold 3 (Abramson et al., 2024) allow structure predictions for the remainder to be made with unprecedented accuracy. These methods open up the dark proteome for structure-based function annotation and have profound implications for experimental structural biology.
About this opportunity
The project will entail application of new Deep Learning methods for cutting-edge protein structure prediction. Applied for function prediction, the project will focus on proteins of various origins, including locally produced genomes and proteomes, but with a likely focus on families of currently unknown structure but proven medical or biotechnological interest (eg Mesdaghi et al., 2020). To achieve the fullest possible picture, a battery of structure-based function prediction methods will be applied to models produced and those data complemented by sequence- and context-derived information (Rigden, 2017). The project may, alternatively or in addition, consider the application of the structure predictions in the contexts of X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM, exploiting long-standing collaborative links to CCP4 and CCP-EM.
You will be based in Liverpool and will join a nurturing and productive group with a strong track record in structural bioinformatics, especially at the interface between bioinformatics and experimental structural biology. You will learn transferable and valuable bioinformatics skills working in an area of biology relevant to drug discovery and current health challenges.
The University of Liverpool has a vibrant PhD community. You can read some of our researcher stories on our website.
Applications will be reviewed until a suitable candidate is appointed.
Who is this opportunity for?
This project is open to self-funded UK and international applicants. You will have at least a good BSc 2:1 in Biological or Life Sciences, or possibly in a computational subject. An interest in programming, especially with Python, is an advantage. Informal enquiries to drigden@liverpool.ac.uk are welcome.
Further reading
Abramson, J et al (2024) Accurate structure prediction of biomolecular interactions with AlphaFold 3. Nature. 630:493–500.
Mesdaghi S, Murphy DL, Sánchez Rodríguez F, Burgos-Mármol JJ, Rigden DJ (2020).
In silico prediction of structure and function for a large family of transmembrane proteins that includes human Tmem41b. F1000Res. 2020 9:1395.
Rigden DJ, editor (2017) “From Structure to Function with Bioinformatics”, second edition Springer.