A vast amount of genome sequence data is available for many bacterial pathogens. Exploitation of these genome sequences for understanding of microbial evolution and the adaptation to host environments is a rapidly growing area of infectious disease research. A major underexplored area is the evolution of bacterial promoters and how genetic variation in intergenic region sequences influences gene expression. This project will focus on determining the extent of allelic variation in the promoters of three bacterial pathogens and determining the functional implications of this variation.
My group recently published an article describing the allelic variation in the Neisseria meningitidis for the intergenic region upstream of a gene encoding a vaccine antigen1. This antigen, fHbp, is a component of Bexsero (4C-MenB), a new recombinant vaccine for preventing meningitis and septicaemia by serogroup B strains of N. meningitidis. Analysis of ~1,000 genomes determined that nine sequences of this region were found in ~90% of N. meningitidis isolates. Experimental quantification of gene expression combined with mathematical treatments allowed association of specific variant nucleotides and genetic elements with differences in gene expression.
We now want to apply a combination of bioinformatic analyses of genome sequences, mathematical treatments of datasets and experimental tests of predictions to a global analysis of gene expression in three bacterial pathogens – Neisseria meningitidis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Campylobacter jejuni. Multiple genome sequences (>10,000) are available for these species and all these species are readily amenable to genetic manipulation.
The over-arching aim will be to determine the extent of genetic variation in the intergenic regions for multiple genes with a range of functions. Genetic variation will be assessed by bioinformatic analyses and correlated with experimentally determined gene expression levels (determined by RNA-Seq2 and/or qPCR1). Mathematical testing will be utilised to determine the specific sequences controlling expression with confirmation by site-directed mutagenesis of key nucleotides. Further work may involve mechanistic testing of the trans-acting factors (e.g. RNA polymerase binding) or extrapolation to other promoters and species through bioinformatic and mathematical integrative testing.
Supervision will be provided by Prof Chris Bayliss, a specialist in the genomics of bacterial pathogens, Prof Dave Grainger, a specialist in functional analyses of transcription and gene expression, and Prof Alexander Gorban, a specialist in mathematical treatments of biological problems.
We are looking for individuals who are interested in combining mathematical approaches with bioinformatics or individuals who want to combine mathematical approaches and experimentation. Training will be provided to bridge gaps in each of these areas. We anticipate that this programme will produced a researcher who has the perfect combination of theoretical and experimental expertise for tackling the vast under-utilised genome datasets now available to infectious disease researchers.
Entry requirements:
• Those who have a 1st or a 2.1 undergraduate degree in a relevant field are eligible.
• Evidence of quantitative training is required. For example, AS or A level Maths, IB Standard or Higher Maths, or university level maths/statistics course.
• Those who have a 2.2 and an additional Masters degree in a relevant field may be eligible.
• Those who have a 2.2 and at least three years post-graduate experience in a relevant field may be eligible.
• Those with degrees abroad (perhaps as well as postgraduate experience) may be eligible if their qualifications are deemed equivalent to any of the above
• University English language requirements apply. https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/entry-reqs/eng-lang-reqs/ielts-65
For further information please contact [Email Address Removed]
Application advice:
To apply please refer the application instructions at https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/funded-opportunities/bbsrc-mibtp
You will need to apply for the PhD place and also submit your online application notification to MIBTP. Links for both are on the above web page.
Project / Funding Enquiries: For further information please contact M[Email Address Removed]
Application enquiries to [Email Address Removed]
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