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Prof A Darby
Prof G Hurst
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Aphids are one of the world’s major insect pests, causing serious economic damage to crops worldwide. The most common form of aphid control is chemical insecticides. Whilst these are effective, their use is increasingly compromised by resistance in the insect target. There is also a social and political trend to decrease the use of chemicals and promote the use of more environmentally friendly biological control agents.
Entomopathogenic fungi are a potential control agent, because they contribute to rapid declines in aphid populations in natural populations. However using fungal agents is complex and we understand very little about how aphids respond to these pathogens. The Pea aphid genome project revealed that aphids don’t have most of the genes previously thought to be important for the recognition, signaling and killing of microbes in insects. There is also very little evidence that aphids have a dramatic immune response when challenged by pathogens.
Whilst aphids do not have a ‘classical’ immune system, it is clear they are not defenseless and show resistance to a number of natural enemies, including entomopathogenic fungi. This resistance is not due to the insect genotype but is determined by the presence of secondary symbiotic bacteria such as Regiella insecticola. Although the role of R. insecticola in resistance to fungal infection is well established, the mechanism by which resistance is delivered is not understood.
The aim of this PhD project is to understand how R. insecticola makes aphids resistant to fungal pathogens. The project will use high-throughput sequencing, comparative genomics and expression analysis to identify and describe bacterial and insect genes involved in the process.
Training:
The student will gain specific training the area of genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. This will involve:
a) Attending courses on bioinformatics and PERL scripting as necessary;
b) Application of these to the problem under study.
In addition, the project will train the student in:
a) general molecular biological skills;
b) bacteria and insect cell culture.
Entomopathogenic fungi are a potential control agent, because they contribute to rapid declines in aphid populations in natural populations. However using fungal agents is complex and we understand very little about how aphids respond to these pathogens. The Pea aphid genome project revealed that aphids don’t have most of the genes previously thought to be important for the recognition, signaling and killing of microbes in insects. There is also very little evidence that aphids have a dramatic immune response when challenged by pathogens.
Whilst aphids do not have a ‘classical’ immune system, it is clear they are not defenseless and show resistance to a number of natural enemies, including entomopathogenic fungi. This resistance is not due to the insect genotype but is determined by the presence of secondary symbiotic bacteria such as Regiella insecticola. Although the role of R. insecticola in resistance to fungal infection is well established, the mechanism by which resistance is delivered is not understood.
The aim of this PhD project is to understand how R. insecticola makes aphids resistant to fungal pathogens. The project will use high-throughput sequencing, comparative genomics and expression analysis to identify and describe bacterial and insect genes involved in the process.
Training:
The student will gain specific training the area of genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. This will involve:
a) Attending courses on bioinformatics and PERL scripting as necessary;
b) Application of these to the problem under study.
In addition, the project will train the student in:
a) general molecular biological skills;
b) bacteria and insect cell culture.
Funding Notes
This project may be eligible for a BBSRC studentship which is available to students from the UK (stipend and fees) or EU (fees only). Alternatively the project will have to be self funded or for those with an appropriate fellowship.
Project supervisors
Career overview
Professor Alistair Darby is a Co-Director of the Centre for Genomic Research at the University of Liverpool and has over 20 years of experience in microbiome and microbial/host interactions. He possesses an international track record in researching human and zoonotic pathogens and their vectors. His scientific work employs genomic techniques to unlock biological processes, integrating molecular biology, technology, and bioinformatics to enhance the understanding of host-microbe interactions. This multidisciplinary approach fosters collaboration across various research teams, with Professor Darby providing genomic expertise to support diverse biological inquiries. He obtained a B.Sc. (Hons) in Biology with a 2:1 classification from the University of York, UK, in 1997. Following this, he completed a M.Sc. (Dic) in Applied Entomology at Imperial College, UK, in 1998. Professor Darby earned his Ph.D. in 2003, focusing on aphid symbiosis under the supervision of Professor A.E. Douglas at the University of York, UK.
Research interests
Professor Alistair Darby''s research focuses on microbiome and microbial/host interactions, with a particular emphasis on human and zoonotic pathogens and their vectors. He employs genomic techniques to enhance the understanding of biology, integrating molecular biology, technology, and bioinformatics. His work is multidisciplinary and highly collaborative, aimed at elucidating host-microbe interactions. Professor Darby brings unique genomic expertise to various research teams, contributing to the understanding of diverse biological systems.
Career overview
Professor Greg Hurst is an evolutionary biologist at the University of Liverpool, focusing on the role of biotic forces in evolution and ecology. He poses the fundamental question of how the world would be different if animals and plants did not have symbionts. His research aims to leverage the understanding of host-symbiont interactions to enhance bee husbandry, mitigate the effects of vector-borne diseases on livestock, and address the challenges posed by pest insects. Additionally, he engages in policy-oriented projects related to entomophagy and food security, exploring the potential of insects as sustainable food and feed sources. Professor Hurst''s laboratory employs a variety of methodologies, including experimental analysis of insect hosts, molecular microbiology, comparative and evolutionary genomics, natural population dynamics analysis, and mathematical modelling. He teaches Evolutionary Biology across all undergraduate years and welcomes BSc, MSc, MRes, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows to undertake research projects centred on host-microbe interactions, particularly in insect hosts. He currently serves as the Research and Impact Lead for the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, with a keen interest in Early Career Researcher Development and fostering collaboration.
Research interests
Professor Hurst is an evolutionary biologist interested in the role of biotic forces in evolution and ecology. His primary research question is focused on understanding how the world would be if animals and plants did not have symbionts. He aims to exploit fundamental knowledge of host-symbiont interactions to enhance bee husbandry, mitigate the impact of vector-borne diseases on livestock, and reduce damage from pest insects. Additionally, he engages in policy-focused projects on entomophagy and food security, assessing the potential for insects as sustainable food and feed sources. The research conducted in his lab employs various methodologies, including experimental analysis of insect hosts in laboratory settings, molecular microbiology, comparative and evolutionary genomics, analysis of dynamics in natural populations, and mathematical modelling. He teaches Evolutionary Biology across all undergraduate years and welcomes BSc, MSc, MRes, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows to conduct research on host-microbe interactions, particularly focusing on insect hosts.
Evolutionary Biology
Symbiosis
Insects
Entomology
Microbiology
Evolution
Ecology
Parasitism
Mutualism
Vectors
Microbial Systematics
Genomics
Molecular Evolution
Entomophagy
Molecular Entomology
Molecular Microbiology
Host-Symbiont Interactions
Bee Husbandry
Pest Insects
Food Security
Sustainable Food
Experimental Analysis
Comparative Genomics
Mathematical Modelling
Early Career Researcher Development.
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