Is a poor diet associated with increased virulence of the gut pathogen Clostridium difficile?

Supervisors:
Dr Nigel Ternan
Dr Chris Gill

Project Description
C. difficile is the most common cause of infectious bacterial diarrhoea worldwide, with significant impact on hospital morbidity and mortality rates. Antibiotic associated dysbiosis of the gut microbiome leads to the development of C. difficile infection (CDI) and an emerging role for diet in modifying susceptibility to CDI has recently been reported (Moore et al., 2015). For instance, virulence (toxin production) and initiation of sporulation in C. difficile strains is linked with the nutrient composition of the gut milieu (Edwards et al., 2014). We have developed a novel ex-vivo model that more accurately mimics the human gut environment, allowing physiologically relevant modelling of C. difficile physiology. We have also demonstrated that in this model, C. difficile exhibits vastly altered gene expression in pathways critical to virulence/pathogenicity.
Using our ex-vivo model the phenotypic responses of the organism will be quantified in response to diet, and transcriptome sequencing performed. In conjunction with collaborators at the James Hutton Institute, metabolomic profiling of culture supernatants using untargeted LC/MSn analysis will determine changes in the culture metabolome due to diet.
We seek a student who is enthusiastic, prepared to work hard and who has good laboratory experience and working knowledge of molecular biology. A background degree in Biomedical sciences, Molecular biology, Nutrition or related subjects is required.

Informal enquiries to Dr Ternan ([Email Address Removed]) are welcomed

NB: This project is also available on a self-funded basis’

References and additional links
For more information on this project, the supervisory team and graduate studies at Ulster, please visit
http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/gradschool/biomedical/

How to apply for this project:
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/phdresearch-degrees/how-to-apply

Closing date for Applications is 24 February 2017.

Funding Notes
The Department for the Economy (DfE) (formerly called Department for Employment and Learning (DEL))
The University has DfE research studentships available for PhD projects. These pay tuition fees and an annual maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum. These awards are open to holders of, or those expected to obtain, first or upper second class honours degrees and cover fees at the home rate and, for applicants with UK residence only, a maintenance allowance. Non-UK residents who hold ordinary EU residence may also apply but, if successful, will receive fees only. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate box on their University application form that they wish to apply for a DfE award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for DfE awards, including eligibility, can be found here: DfE Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017

Vice-Chancellor's Research Scholarships (VCRS)
A number of University funded VCRS will be available for PhD projects at Ulster. These awards are open to applicants who hold or, expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree. They will cover tuition fees and a maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum for three years. Applications are invited from UK, European Union and overseas students. Applicants with up to one year’s current or previous registration for PhD at any institution may be considered for an award subject to the applicant providing evidence of good academic progress, formal release from all IP restrictions and ethical approval (if required). Three-year awards may be allocated to such applicants where they are taking-up a new project at Ulster. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate area on their University application form that they wish to apply for a University Studentship/VCRS award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for VCRS awards, including eligibility, can be found here: VCRS Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017