PhD Studentship: Alternative splicing regulation by snRNA modifications

Primary Supervisor - Dr Alper Akay

How do snRNA modifications regulate RNA splicing? Our RNA (epi)genetics laboratory addresses this broad question using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as an animal model.  

RNA is at the centre of many gene regulatory processes. There are currently more than 150 distinct chemical modifications on RNA, and a greater number of proteins are required for their synthesis and recognition. Recent discoveries have shown that RNA modifications can be dynamically regulated, and they have been implicated in embryonic development, longevity, neurological diseases and cancers in humans and in animal models.  

The PhD project will focus on how spliceosomal snRNA modifications regulate RNA splicing. Our lab has shown that snRNA methylation can affect splice site choice during pre-mRNA splicing (1). The project will use molecular biology, genetics and RNA sequencing to investigate how gene-specific splice site choice influences transcript isoform expression in C. elegans and human cells. 

The project will be based in Dr Akay’s group and carried out in collaboration with the groups of Dr Wilfried Haerty and Dr James Smith. We offer a multidisciplinary and supportive research environment. The student will receive extensive support to learn a range of techniques and will interact with national and international laboratories working on RNA modifications. The student will attend conferences, seminars and cross-laboratory events. The student will receive internal and external mentorship and career development support. Our RNA (epi)genetics laboratory is funded by a prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship and provides generous resources and instrumentation. This project is particularly suitable for students interested in RNA biology, biochemistry and RNA sequencing analysis. 

1. Shen, A. et al. (2024) doi:10.1093/nar/gkae447. 
2. Rashid, S. et al.(2025) doi:10.1093/hmg/ddaf176.

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1 in Biological sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry or relevant.

Mode of study

Full-time

Start date

1 October 2027

Additional Funding Information

This PhD project is in a competition for a Faculty of Science funded studentship. Funding is available to UK applicants and comprises ‘home’ tuition fees and an annual stipend for 3 years. The current UEA / institutional PhD stipend rate is £21,805 and will be subject to any agreed inflationary uplift for 2027/28.