Identification of Neuropeptide-gated Ion Channels in Nematode Parasites

OVERVIEW

Neurotransmitter-gated ion channels represent well-established anthelmintic targets, yet many ion channel families remain underexploited for nematode parasite control. There is evidence for a neuropeptide-gated chloride channel in the somatic muscle of the gastrointestinal parasite Ascaris suum, however the constitutive proteins have not yet been identified. The recent surge in both the quality and scale of nematode genomic and transcriptomic datasets, in combination with the experimental tractability of A. suum, offer a novel vantage point to search for nematode neuropeptide-gated ion channel subunit encoding genes.

There are >100 neurotransmitter gated ion channel encoding subunits in the A. suum genome. This project will employ bioinformatic and physiology approaches to aid the identification of specific ion channel subunits that are most likely to constitute a neuropeptide-gated ion channel. In this approach, the student will utilise the available phylogenetic, genomic and tissue-specific transcriptomic data to develop a pipeline for the identification of genes that encode nematode neuropeptide-gated chloride channels (potential novel anthelmintic targets), and validate candidate proteins through muscle-based physiology / electrophysiology tools. Specifically this project will: (i) Employ a BLAST- and Hidden Markov Model-based pipeline to identify candidate ion channel subunit encoding genes across phylum Nematoda; (ii) Screen candidate proteins for domains/motifs that support their designation as putative neuropeptide-gated chloride channel subunits; (iii) Exploit available nematode tissue-specific RNAseq datasets to identify putative targets that are highly expressed in muscle tissues, and (iv) use reverse genetics and physiology to validate candidate proteins key nematode species. This project has the potential to uncover a novel neuropeptide-gated ion channel for chemotherapeutic exploitation in parasitic nematodes. The project will be part of an international collaboration that offers opportunities for lab-exchange and training. The student and will also receive local training from a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher (Dr Ciaran McCoy, QUB).

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
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant subject from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

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

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

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