Via findaphd.com. A PhD entitled: 'Identification of novel interacting partners of the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) by a TAP-TAG approach' is available based at the William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, to commence in October 2009. Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from resistance to the action of ACTH on the adrenal cortex. Affected individuals are deficient in cortisol and, if untreated, are likely to succumb to hypoglycemia and/or overwhelming infection. Mutations of the ACTH receptor (MC2R) and the melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP) - FGD types 1 & 2 respectively - account for approximately 45% of cases, leaving more than half of the cases with no known cause (termed FGD3). FGD3 has an identical phenotype to types 1 and 2, implying that MC2R and MRAP are only two parts of an interacting complex of proteins that are necessary for the correct functioning and signalling of MC2R. The aim of this project will be to identify such proteins, which are candidates for FGD3, by using a TAP-Tagging approach. The Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP) method utilises a tag consisting of two binding proteins that are fused to a protein of interest. Human MC2R will be tagged with the TAP-tag at both its N- and C-termini, using conventional restriction/ligation strategies, and transiently transfected into HEK293. Associated proteins will then be pulled out by a sequential two step affinity purification protocol which minimises the co-purification of contaminating proteins. Proteins recovered in this way will be separated on SDS-PAGE gels and identified by Mass Spectrometry. For an informal discussion about this studentship, please contact the lead project supervisor: Dr L Metherell by email at: [email protected]. Further details can be found at the website below; the deadline for applications is 24 April 2009.

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