Understanding DNA replication across the kinetoplastids
Supervisors:
Prof Richard McCulloch, School of Infection & Immunity
Prof James Cotton, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Prof Martin Llewellyn, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Summary:
We invite passionate and driven students to join our cutting-edge research on kinetoplastids— protozoan parasites renowned for their unique DNA replication dynamics and genome plasticity. This project aims to unravel how variations in DNA replication influence genetic content and adaptation across diverse kinetoplastid species – from the free living denizens of ponds, through obligate symbionts of amoeba, the parasites of insects and lizards, as well as the major parasites of humans: Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania spp.. By employing the latest Nanopore sequencing techniques, you will investigate the relationship between DNA replication and mutration rates and patterns across the kinetoplastids, shedding light on the evolutionary strategies they employ to adapt to their diverse hosts and environments.
As a PhD candidate, you will gain hands-on experience in bioinformatics, next-generation DNA sequencing, and comparative genomics using tools like Linux, R, and Python. You will learn essential skills in cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and modern genetic manipulation methods, including CRISPR-Cas9. Through interdisciplinary training in three laboratories, you will develop project management skills and engage in collaborative research. Your findings will contribute to our understanding of parasite biology and may lead to impactful publications.
Join us in exploring the fascinating world of kinetoplastids and their evolutionary adaptations.