Project properties
Title Role of seed proteins in protecting mRNA
Group Plant Physiology, Laboratory of
Project type thesis
Credits 24-39
Supervisor(s) Sjors van der Horst
Examiner(s) Dr. Leónie Bentsink
Contact info sjors.vanderhorst@wur.nl AND thesis.PPH@wur.nl
Begin date 2025/09/01
End date 2026/09/01
Description Seeds can survive for many years, despite exposure to different environmental stresses. Messenger (m)RNAs are stored in the seed and crucial for its germination, but are also vulnerable to these stresses. Therefore, protecting these stored mRNAs is crucial for the seed’s survivability. However, how mRNAs are protected from degradation is still largely unknown. We hypothesize that the mRNAs are protected by specific proteins present in the seed.

To test this hypothesis, we want to:
1) Optimize a system to validate protein binding to RNA.
2) Test different seed specific proteins on mRNA binding.
3) Test the role of these proteins on seed storage.

Are you interested in learning different molecular and biochemical laboratory techniques? Would you like to help answer fundamental questions about how life works inside cells? Or do you have an interest in seed biology?
Then don’t hesitate to send me a message and we can discuss the project in more detail.
Used skills Western Blot, PCR, RNA/protein extraction, in vitro protein expression, EMSA, seed phenotyping
Requirements Basic laboratory experience.