RVC Supervisor(s): Dr Virginia Marugan-Hernandez

Non-RVC Supervisor: Dr Johannes Dessens, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)

Department: Pathobiology and Population Sciences

Background, aims and objectives:

Background and Rationale:

Apicomplexan parasites like Plasmodium (which causes malaria) and Eimeria (which causes coccidiosis in farm animals) possess unique organelles: the 'refractile body' (RB) in Eimeria and the 'crystalloid' in Plasmodium, both of which have poorly understood functions. Recent research suggests that these organelles may be functionally related, particularly after finding Eimeria proteins homologous to those in Plasmodium crystalloids localizing in the RB. This study aims to explore the similarities between these organelles in greater detail.

Aims and Objectives:

The project focuses on understanding further the similarities between Eimeria RBs and Plasmodium crystalloid organelles, specifically their proteomes.

• Objective 1: Identify the Eimeria RB proteome using proximity-dependent biotin labelling (BioID). The study will use known RB proteins (SO7, NTH, LAP1) tagged with biotin ligase to capture nearby proteins. These proteins will then be analysed using mass spectrometry.
• Objective 2: Validate potential RB proteins identified through BioID by using fluorescent protein tagging in transgenic parasites. This will confirm the localization of these proteins in the RB and help compare the Eimeria RB with the Plasmodium crystalloid proteome.

Significance: The findings will provide insights into the roles of the Eimeria RB and Plasmodium crystalloid organelles, revealing shared functional mechanisms that could serve as targets for novel interventions against malaria and coccidiosis.

References

1.  Burrell, A. et al. (2023) Refractile bodies of Eimeria tenella are proteinaceous membrane-less organelles that undergo dynamic changes during infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 13, 1082622. 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1082622
2. Dessens, J.T. et al. (2021) Crystalloids: Fascinating parasite organelles essential for malaria transmission. Trends Parasitol 37, 581-584. 10.1016/j.pt.2021.04.002
3. Saeed, S. et al. (2020) NAD(P) transhydrogenase has vital non-mitochondrial functions in malaria parasite transmission. EMBO Reports, e478320. 10.15252/embr.201947832
4. Tremp, A.Z. et al. (2020) Plasmodium berghei LAPs form an extended protein complex that facilitates crystalloid targeting and biogenesis. J Proteomics 227, 103925. 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.103925

Requirements

Essential:

• Applicants must hold a degree in a relevant subject to develop the project (e.g. biology, biochemistry, infectious diseases, immunology, veterinary medicine, bioveterinary sciences).

Desirable:

• A master’s degree or equivalent qualification or other evidence of research skills and experience is preferred but not essential.

Fees and Funding

This is a 3-year fully-funded studentship, funded by the Bloomsbury Colleges. This funding covers 'Home' rate tuition fees and a stipend. 

The studentship will commence in October 2025 at the RVC's Hawkshead campus.

This studentship is open to applicants eligible for "Home" fees. International applicants are welcome to apply but must be able to fund the difference between "Home" and "Overseas" tuition fees. 

EU/EEA and Swiss national students starting studies in the 2021/22 academic year or later academic years may no longer be eligible to pay the “home” rate of tuition fees nor claim any financial support for their studies dependent on your personal circumstances (including immigration status and residence history in the UK). To help determine whether you would be eligible for home fees please see the UKCISA's 'Who pays 'home' fees for higher education in England?' guide found here.

If you are interested in applying for this PhD project, please follow the link below.  Please use your personal statement to highlight any relevant skills or experience in cell/molecular biology, parasitology, genetics, or the application of bioinformatic tools. We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD student who demonstrates commitment, teamwork, and the ability to take responsibility for their own project. The student will receive training from the supervisors at RVC in the various techniques required for the development of the research programme. Additionally, the student will benefit from the RVC transferable skills training programme, which offers a wide range of courses designed to help analyse, understand, and communicate their research.

How to Apply

For more information on the application process and English Language requirements see How to Apply.

Interviews are expected to take place remotely via Microsoft Teams on Monday 24th March 2025.

We welcome informal enquiries - these should be directed to Dr Virginia Marugan-Hernandez: vhernandez@rvc.ac.uk

Deadline: 12/02/2025