About the Project
OPATHY is an innovative translational research training network funded by the European Commission (Horizon 2020, Marie Curie ITN) that will explore the potential of next-generation high-throughput technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, to study the interactions of yeasts that cause disease to humans (e.g. Candida and Cryptococcus sp.) with their host, and to develop new diagnostic tools to monitor yeast infections in the clinic.
Infections caused by pathogenic yeasts, including Candida species, are becoming increasingly prevalent, infecting billions of people every year. However, the exact epidemiology of Invasive Fungal Diseases (IFDs) is unknown, since they are extremely difficult to diagnose. Currently there is no sensitive, rapid and accurate diagnostic assay for IFDs, nor is there an efficient way to monitor the success of antifungal therapy. Comprising 13 different Early Stage Researcher sub-projects, the OPATHY’s overall goal is to rapidly and accurately diagnose yeast diseases by means of innovative omics that will result in improved treatment strategies. OPATHY is coordinated by the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona, Spain.
This ESR’s (sub-project 5) goal will be be to identify markers and transcriptional profiles common to fungal infection, and specific to C. parapsilosis infection. The successful candidate will be employed and enrolled at the University College Dublin, Ireland.
Objectives:
To (i) establish in vitro and ex vivo commensal and infection models for C. parapsilosis; (ii) to dissect the different stages of infection; (iii) to characterize the fungal and host transcriptional profiles during infection by RNAseq; (iv) to identify stage-specific marker genes of C. parapsilosis infection; (v) to identify and characterize genes that are required for pathogenicity of C. parapsilosis.
Methodology:
The ESR will monitor the interaction of C. parapsilosis with vaginal and intestinal epithelial, endothelial cells and blood cells in collaboration with ESR6. RNA-seq will be used to determine the stage-specific transcriptional profile of the pathogen and the host. Data analysis will be carried out in collaboration with ESR2. Expression of selected (infection-associated and species specific) genes will be verified by qRT-PCR. Candidate marker genes will be developed into prototype diagnostic tools. Candidate genes will be disrupted and their roles in infection analysed. Moreover, to identify genes crucial for pathogenicity, mutant strains from a collection of >200 C. parapsilosis knockout strains (available at P3) will be monitored in the established infection models.
Expected Results:
Identification of markers and transcriptional profiles common to fungal infection, and specific to C. parapsilosis infection.
The successful candidate will work in a highly interactive international environment with other Marie-Curie PhD students, researchers and industry. She/he will execute a part of the work during extended visits at the partner Europe institutions.
Application procedure:
Applications for the OPATHY training network will be exclusively accepted through the online application system available on the OPATHY website (www.opathy.eu/jobs). The deadline for applications is October 25, 2015. Depending on the individual projects the project start is at the end of 2015/ beginning of 2016.
Funding Notes
Researcher Profile:
• background in (micro-) biology, clinical biology, biochemistry or bioinformatics.
Eligibility criteria:
• Applicants are in the first 4 years of their research career, measured from the date of graduation, which formally entitles him/her to embark on a doctorate.
• Applicants should not have been living in the country of the host institution for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
Benefits:
The successful candidates will be fully funded for 36 months and receive a highly competitive salary including mobility and family allowance (if applicable).
Continue with Facebook
