Hematodinium sp. is a dinoflagellate parasite that, from a host range perspective, is a generalist, infecting a variety of wild and commercially very valuable crustacean species (Davies et al., 2019; Wang et al., 2017). In the aquaculture sector, outbreaks of Hematodinium spp. are recurrent in the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus in Northern China (Li et al., 2013; Huang et al., 2021). While recent research in our laboratory has shown that Hematodinium sp. represents an important mortality driver for the valuable Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) in areas such as the Clyde Sea Area.
Parasites use different life cycle and metabolic adaptations to achieve efficient transmission and progression. In the case of Hematodinium sp., transmission, which is achieved via the release of macro- or micro-spores, is timely and tightly synchronised (early spring). Seasonal transmission may be adaptive (beneficial) to the parasite because sporulation in early spring means parasite spores are ready to germinate and become infectious at the time of year that new hosts emerge from their burrows to feed, mate and moult.
From a life-cycle perspective, it is unknown what seasonal abiotic and biotic (from the host) cues are available to the parasite to synchronise the production of spores and what are the biochemical needs of the parasite. Therefore, in this project we will investigate the parasite-host interactions driving the seasonal timing of parasite progression, replication and sporulation. Furthermore, we will explore the costs/benefits of this timing for parasite transmission and fitness.
The following specific objectives are examples of topics the student could focus on:
- Preliminary data have shown than lipids, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids, are crucial compounds in Hematodinium sp. spore development. In this objective, we propose, firstly to test the metabolic biosynthetic capabilities of Hematodinium sp. and secondly, evaluate if feeding preferences in the host change with disease progression by performing a number of feed preference tests. Within this framework, and more widely, the project will evaluate if the parasite alters Norway lobster behaviour to assist with its transmission.
- To characterise Hematodinium sp. progression from sub-patent to patent levels in Nephrops norvegicus. Proposed methodological approaches include proteomic and metabolic profiling of the circulating parasites and proteomic and lipidomic profiling of key host tissues.
The student will receive a diverse programme of skills development co-ordinated by the Institute of Advanced Studies (Stirling) and the EASTBIO network to enhance future employability prospects.
Application Procedure:
To apply for an EASTBIO PhD studentship, follow the instructions below:
Check the details of this project on FindaPhD and contact the lead supervisor Dr Amaya Albalat, [Email Address Removed] before you apply.
After you have discussed the project, complete our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion survey (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion survey) and then fill in the EASTBIO application form (noting that the application date on the form differs from the actual date of 15th June 2022) and submit your completed EASTBIO application form, along with academic transcripts to
Send EASTBIO Reference Form to your two academic/professional referees, and ask them to submit as specified on the project adverts.
If you have further queries about the application/recruitment process please email Dr Amaya Albalat, [Email Address Removed].
Please ask your referees to submit your references directly to Dr Amaya Albalat, [Email Address Removed]
Unfortunately, due to workload constraints, we cannot consider incomplete applications
Continue with Facebook
