The 2024/25 application process is now closed
Visit the MRC DTP/CASE at LSTM pages for further information.
|
Abstract |
Parasitic nematodes cause significant medical and economic burden globally, yet there are still knowledge gaps in their basic biology hampering their control and elimination. Screening published transcriptomes, we have discovered 75 novel RNA virus-genomes that infect 27 species of parasitic nematodes, that are responsible for >1.5 billion infections in people and/or economically important animals. The biological/medical relevance of these viruses is unknown, but extrapolation to viruses of Leishmania parasites at least suggests potential roles in disease pathology and progression as well as other fundamental biological processes. Focusing on three of the most medically important nematode diseases (lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis and trichuriasis) this project will systematically investigate one or more of the following research areas: RNA virus distribution and diversity across contemporary isolates of nematodes; transmission mechanism(s) and impact on nematode population, parasite and cell biology; infection phenotype and host interactions with nematode/human immunity. A specific medically-important phenotypic trait that will be investigated is the potential link between a virus in Onchocerca volvulus, with close phylogenetic relationship to the neurotropic rabies lyssavirus and Onchocerciasis-Associated-Epilepsy. Finally, we will evaluate the potential for viruses to infect mammalian/invertebrate cells to generate a culture system of authentic viruses or infectious molecular clones to generate model systems to study parasite/virus biology and pharmacological intervention. |
|
Where does the project lie on the Translational Pathway? |
T1 – Basic Research T2 Human / Clinical Research |
|
Expected Outputs |
Primary authorship on several impactful publications. Funding opportunities generated from the outputs of the selected area of research. Potential for significant funding and impact. |
|
Training Opportunities |
Training in parasitology, virology, bioimaging, molecular and cell biology, immunology. |
|
Skills Required |
Background in biomedical sciences with an interest in infectious disease, virology and/or parasitology. |
|
Key Publications associated with this project |
Quek S. et al. The RNA virome of human and animal parasitic nematodes Nature InReview |
|
Taylor MJ, Hoerauf A, Bockarie M (2010) Lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. Lancet, 376(9747):1175-85 |
|
|
Else, K. J. et al. Whipworm and roundworm infections. Nat. Rev. Dis. Prim. 6, (2020). |
|
|
Colebunders, R. et al. Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy: From recent epidemiological and clinical findings to policy implications. Epilepsia Open 2, 145–152 (2017). |
|
|
Zhao, Z. et al. Multiple Regulations of Parasitic Protozoan Viruses: A Double- Edged Sword for Protozoa. MBio 14, (2023). |