Staphylococcus aureus is a major human and animal pathogen responsible for an array of different disease types. The Fitzgerald group have for many years been interested in understanding the evolutionary and mechanistic basis for the ability of bacteria to switch to new host-species and spread in the new host population. Previously, we showed that an important cause of bone infections in chickens resulted from a jump by a human strain of S. aureus into chickens followed by adaptation via gene acquisition and mutation. Furthermore, our recent findings in the lab have indicated that S. aureus has evolved ways of interfering with the avian innate immune response in order to evade bacterial killing. Specifically, chicken strains of S. aureus produce a secreted factor that targets avian neutrophils (heterophils) and prevents their degranulation, thereby inhibiting their anti-microbial action. In addition, we have used a unique transposon mutant library to identify genes that are required for S. aureus survival during infection of innate immune cells. Accordingly, the current project will involve identification of the secreted immune evasion factor and analysis of its mechanism of action on innate immune cells. In addition, characterisation of selected genes identified by transposon mutagenesis will provide further insights into avian S. aureus immune evasion. The research will provide new insights into the evolution of an important bacterial pathogen and the molecular pathogenesis of an important disease affecting the global poultry industry. The work may also lead to the identification of novel targets for disease control. A wide array of molecular techniques will be employed and a high level of technical and mentorship support will be provided in the Fitzgerald group.
This opportunity is open to UK and international students and provides funding covering stipend and UK level tuition fees. The University of Edinburgh covers the difference between home and international fees meaning that the EASTBIO DTP offers fully-funded studentships to all appointees. There is a cap on the number of international students the DTP recruits. It is therefore important for us to know from the outset which fees status category applicants will fall under when applying to our university.
Please refer to UKRI website and Annex B of the UKRI Training Grant Terms and Conditions for full eligibility criteria.
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