Investigating the susceptibility of British deer to chronic wasting disease

Deer play an important part in the rural economy, biodiversity and culture of Britain, and red deer in particular are an increasing source of farming revenue, therefore any disease threats to deer populations have important social, ecological and economic implications. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an emergent infectious disease which has become widespread in captive and wild North American cervids, with significant negative impacts on their populations [1]. A “prion” disease, it is closely related to scrapie in sheep and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or “mad cow disease”) in cattle. The recent discovery of CWD in Norwegian cervids has raised concerns about the possibility of further spread within Europe [2], but little is known about the susceptibility of European deer species to CWD. Relative susceptibility to prion diseases is largely determined by the sequence of a single gene (PRNP) encoding the prion protein (PrP). We are currently sequencing the PRNP gene in the major free-ranging deer species found in Britain, and so far have found the greatest PRNP sequence variation in red deer. The aim of this project is to perform more extensive PRNP sequence analysis, including farmed deer, and to assess the predicted effects of novel gene variants on susceptibility to CWD, using a number of different laboratory techniques to model prion replication. The project will also involve testing tissue samples collected from wild deer in Scotland for evidence of CWD infection. The outcomes of this research will help to inform strategies for surveillance and intervention in wild deer, as well as protection of farmed deer, if CWD is found in Britain. The project will provide research training and development of skills in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, cell culture and histopathology, as well as opportunities for interaction with our collaborators in Norway and North America.

Application procedures
Applications including a statement of interest and full CV with names and addresses (including email addresses) of two academic referees, should be emailed to [Email Address Removed].
When applying for the studentship please state clearly the title of the studentship and the supervisor/s in your covering letter.

All applicants should also apply through the University’s on-line application system for September 2018 entry via http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees/index.php?r=site/view&id=831

Applicants for the Principal’s career development studentship must also complete the specific on-line application form.

Applicants for an Enlightenment Scholarship must also complete the specific on-line application form.
ALL APPLICATION PROCEDURES MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE CLOSING DATE 16th January 2018