Diagnosis of resistance in yeasts (Marie-Curie, Early Stage Researcher Fellowship)

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 4) goal will be to identify a set of resistance markers for azole and echinocandin resistant yeasts to be developed in to diagnostic markers. The successful candidate will be employed at the KNAW-CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre (Utrecht, Netherlands) and be enrolled at the University of Amsterdam.

Objectives:
To investigate polymorphisms in genes involved in resistance and the design of probes to detect them.

Methodology:
In collaboration with ESR13 we will explore the expression of specific proteins of resistant and susceptible isolates under conditions of antifungal drugs stress. Bioinformatics analysis will identify biomolecules that correlate with the resistance, and these will be characterized. Comparative genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics (MALDI-TOF MS) will identify markers that are related to the resistance [or the susceptibility]. These will be subsequently explored for the development of diagnostic probes that will be clinically tested. In collaboration with partners at Utrecht University (UU) we may also consider biochemical analysis of cell walls and membranes of susceptible and resistant isolates.

Expected Results:
Set of resistance markers for azole and echinocandin resistant yeasts to be developed in to diagnostic markers. If time allows, use of the diagnostics tools to explore presence of resistance in environmental and clinical isolates.

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 April 3, 2016. Depending on the individual projects the project start is middle of 2016.