This PhD opportunity is being offered as part of the LSTM and Lancaster University Doctoral Training Partnership. Find out more about the studentships and how to apply.
| 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 91 novel RNA virus-genomes that ~70% 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 this project lie in the translational pathway? | T1 - Basic Research, T2 - Human /Clinical Research |
| Expected Outputs | The model and results generated are expected to lead to several high-impact papers in recognition of the global importance of this area. The candidate will develop a range of translational laboratory research skills in addition to a deep understanding of pathophysiology of TB, silicosis and detailed knowledge of immunology, in addition to many transferrable research skills, including science communication and advocacy. The candidate will have the opportunity to develop their area of interest towards a continued academic career in the field. |
| 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. |
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Key Publications associated with this project |
Quek S, Hadermann A, Wu Y, De Coninck L, Hegde S, Boucher JR, Cresswell J, Foreman E, Steven A, LaCourse EJ, Ward SA, Wanji S, Hughes GL, Patterson EI, Wagstaff SC, Turner JD, Parry RH, Kohl A, Heinz E, Otabil KB, Matthijnssens J, Colebunders R, Taylor MJ. (2024). Diverse RNA viruses of parasitic nematodes can elicit antibody responses in vertebrate hosts. Nature Microbiology. 9(10):2488-2505. doi: 10.1038/s41564-024-01796-6. |
| 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). |