u/deepan_k_babu

The Microbiome gene (M gene) represents a novel classification of a set of host genes that play a role in the assembly and determination of the structure and composition of the host microbiome. Although this classification is new, research on this topic is quite extensive, with studies having previously examined the effects of individual host genes on their microbiome. However, the introduction of this new concept may stimulate investigations into the combined effects of these M genes on the microbiome. I believe it is crucial to classify these genes as M genes to further advance our understanding of microbial ecology and host-microbe interactions. What are your thoughts?

References:

Cernava, T. Coming of age for Microbiome gene breeding in plants. Nat Commun 15, 6623 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-50700-7

Su, P., Kang, H., Peng, Q. et al. Microbiome homeostasis on rice leaves is regulated by a precursor molecule of lignin biosynthesis. Nat Commun 15, 23 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44335-3

Goodrich JK, Davenport ER, Clark AG, Ley RE. The Relationship Between the Human Genome and Microbiome Comes into View. Annu Rev Genet. 2017 Nov 27;51:413-433. doi: 10.1146/annurev-genet-110711-155532. Epub 2017 Sep 20. PMID: 28934590; PMCID: PMC5744868.

After a year and a half of application, I was accepted by a supervisor with funding for a project in plant microbiome. However, a top reputed University in New Zealand rejected my application despite securing the funding. They cited their GPA calculator indicated my GPA was 0.5 below their requirements. I hold a Master of Research degree from the UK. In the UK a 60%+ score is the standard for PhD entry. My overall score is 63.5% and 67% in a 12-month research project. I worked on metagenomes approximately 3TB in size and have significant bioinformatics skills. My master’s thesis is focusing on the carbon monoxide-oxidising bacterial community within the rice phyllosphere microbiome. My research encompassed experiments aimed at elucidating the response of rice phyllosphere isolates to individual and combinations of plant metabolites (products of Microbiome genes).

I have no publications but have two patent works from my undergraduate studies which are in applied and awaiting publication and grant approval. The findings from my thesis are presented by my supervisor at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Singapore in April 2026. Although my MRes research resulted in a pioneering conceptual framework, I have decided to withhold formal publication due to an equipment failure. During the final phase of my project, the Gas Chromatography (GC) instrument necessary for our final measurements became unavailable. I prioritise the accuracy of my findings in publication.

I am actively seeking a PhD position related to climate change adaptation, microbial ecology and/or plant-microbe interactions.

Please help me find a PhD with all these complications!!

Genetic link between Microbiome and its host - Microbiome genes

How to get a PhD?