BBSRC NLD Doctoral Training Partnership: Exploring interactions between co-infecting trypanosomatids and other pathogens in a Drosophila model

Co-infection of individual hosts by multiple pathogens species is a common phenomenon observed in natural populations. Nevertheless, our understanding of the interactions between different pathogens and the underlying molecular mechanisms remains considerably limited. While some studies explore co-infections with same taxon groups, such as caused by different bacteria, the notable gap in the field is a thorough investigation of co-infection by different pathogens considering the diversity of host genetic background. 

This project gives a unique opportunity to investigate co-infection of Drosophila melanogaster model by a range of different pathogens natural to this species (virus, bacteria and trypanosomatid parasite). The successful student will perform a series of co-infection experiments tracing the effect of pathogen loads in different combinations and exploring their effect on important fitness and behavioural traits in different host genetic backgrounds (with collaborative lab at Durham University, UK). As Wolbachia symbiont is known for its effect on virus infection, further experiments will be performed to investigate how it alters the co-infection outcomes (collaborative lab at Jagiellonian University, Poland). With the results from the co-infection trials, the most promising combination of pathogens and host background will be examined using transcriptomics to unveil the gene expression differences in the host response during co-infection and/or profile the neurological activity. 

While most of the existing studies use single-pathogen infections for the immunity studies, this project will bring the real-word perspective of multiple simultaneous host-parasite interactions and will enhance our understanding of the co-infection process and the insects immune response. Additionally, the project can potentially have implications in insect vector and pest species control. 

During the project, you will acquire multiple skills including, but not limited to, insect immunology, experiment planning, sterile culture handling, transcriptomics, methods in neurobiology and statistics. Also you will benefit from the vibrant community in the host department (at the University of Liverpool, UK) and project’s international collaborators, allowing you to experience multiple different research environments and develop a network for future career opportunities.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications should be made by emailing bbsrcdtp@liverpool.ac.uk with:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees);
• a covering letter – clearly stating your first-choice project, and optionally 2nd ranked project, as well as including whatever additional information you feel is pertinent to your application; you may wish to indicate, for example, why you are particularly interested in the selected project(s) and at the selected University;
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates;
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE AT https://www.nld-dtp.org.uk/how-apply. Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

In addition to the above items, please email a completed copy of the Additional Details Form (as a Word document) to bbsrcdtp@liverpool.ac.uk. A blank copy of this form can be found at: https://www.nld-dtp.org.uk/how-apply.

Informal enquiries may be made to venera.tyukmaeva@liverpool.ac.uk

The deadline for all applications is 12noon on Monday 22nd July 2024.

Part-Time Study Options

All NLD DTP PhDs are available as part time or full time, with part time being a minimum of 50% of full time. Please discuss potential part time arrangements with the primary supervisor before applying to the programme.

Project CASE Status

This project is not a CASE project. While individual applicant quality is our overriding criterion for selection, the NLD DTP has a commitment to fund 8 CASE projects per year - as such, CASE projects may be favoured in shortlisting applicants when candidates are otherwise deemed to be equal or a consensus on student quality cannot be reached.