Dual-Colour, Single-Particle Tracking of RNA Molecules within Bacterial Condensates

Cells are complex, highly organised structures, with the cytoplasm subdivided into compartments allowing spatiotemporal separation of a huge number of different molecules for tight control of biochemical reactions. A number of these compartments lack an enclosing membrane, collectively known as condensates or “membraneless” organelles. Optical microscopy has revealed the importance of these organelles in diverse cellular processes. This project aims to investigate the mobility and spatial organisation of single mRNA molecules within bacterial aggresomes, which have recently been shown to be protected from degradation during stress, using cutting edge, super-resolution microscopy. The Leake lab has already implemented RNA, where transcripts of interest are tagged with a small RNA structure capable of activating the fluorescence of specific dyes. In order to track two transcripts simultaneously, the student will need to use molecular biology techniques including PCRs, transformations and in-fusion cloning to tag transcripts of interest. The student will also gain unique, interdisciplinary, hands-on experience using custom single-molecule microscopes to perform advanced imaging and the associated Python-based analysis. The student will work in the diverse and highly interdisciplinary Physics of Life Group at the University York at the forefront of biophysics research, developing key science and communication skills for a career in research. Students will need to find their own accommodation and be expected to present their findings orally at a research day in York on 08th September 2026.