Elucidating the Functional Role of Infection Factors from Entomopathogenic Nematodes

OVERVIEW

We have recently demonstrated the power of using the Drosophila model to determine novel parasitic nematode infection factors and elucidate the genetic and functional bases of host anti-nematode defense. This project will use omics together with reverse genetics and functional approaches to reveal original entomopathogenic nematode infection strategies in Drosophila.

We aim to understand the infective process of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and the host’s immune response to infection. Our hypothesis is that EPNs produce proteins which interact with the host immune and metabolic responses to promote pathogenicity during the early stages of insect infection.

We have identified three putative virulence factors that are up-regulated early in infection. We will test the hypothesis that these molecules facilitate infection by interfering with the host immune signaling and function and altering its metabolic activity.

First, we will determine the combined action of H. bacteriophora candidate virulence factors and P. luminescens infection on the fly innate immune signaling activity and function. Then, we will perform gene knockdown to explore the role of EPN candidate virulence factors on host survival and interaction with the host anti-nematode response. Finally, we will determine the effect of H. bacteriophora candidate virulence factors on lipid metabolism in D. melanogaster.

Results from this research will provide critical information on the molecular basis of EPN infection and the nature of nematode molecules that compromise the insect host defense. This information can be used to advance efforts in the biocontrol of agricultural insect pests and vectors of plant and human diseases.

Research Information

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Career Prospects

Introduction
Queen’s postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as the DegreePlus/Future Ready Award, bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. Career prospects in the biological sciences are exceptionally good. To some extent it depends on the specific topic, of course, but laboratory-based and especially quantitative skills and the proven innovation of a PhD or MPhil are highly sought after. Degrees are very much in demand, both in commercial science and public sector research and development (e.g. drug discovery and development, crop and animal improvements and welfare, sustainable agriculture and resource use, human nutrition and health, animal health, ecological management, food safety and technology, scientific communications, regulation, and many more fields).

Employment after the Course
Graduates have gone on to be professional research scientists, consultants, or hold technical and junior executive positions in commerce and government.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Graduate
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English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen’s University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen’s University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

HOW TO APPLY

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