Pre-clinical development of phages that target Mycobacterial species
Qualification: PhD
Department: Genetics
Application deadline: 14 May 2023
Start date: 25 September 2023
Overview
Supervisors:
Natalie Garton, Martha Clokie, Andrew Millard and Pranab Haldar
Project description:
Background
Mycobacterial infections are a major problem worldwide and there are increasing cases of multidrug resistant strains rendering treatment difficult. Members of our team have been piloting the use of phages as part of a diagnostic for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, the cause of Tuberculosis (TB) in humans. This has incentivised us to assemble a team of phage biologists, TB-microbiologists, and clinical researchers to carry out essential pre-clinical work exploring the possibility to use mycobacterial phages as a treatment option in patients with active infection.
Work plan
The project will involve using microbiological assays to test the host range and properties of existing mycobacterial phages and isolating new phages that target the strains of M. tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs, such as Mycobacterium abscessus) that circulate in UK hospitals. It will also involve sequencing the phage genomes and using this information to help design combinations of phages that work well together to target key circulating strains. As Mycobacterial infections are intracellular, this project will also examine techniques such as using encapsulation in liposomes and developing macrophage models to improve delivery of mycobacteriophages to macrophages within relevant sites within the human body.
References
Allué-Guardia, A. et al. (2021) ‘Mycobacteriophages as potential therapeutic agents against drug-resistant tuberculosis’, Int. J. Mol. Sci. 13;22(2):735, doi: 10.3390/ijms22020735.
Guerrero-Bustamante, C. . et al. (2021) ‘Toward a phage cocktail for tuberculosis: Susceptibility and tuberculocidal action of mycobacteriophages against diverse Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains’, 12(3):e00973-21, doi: 10.1128/mBio.00973-21.
Funding
Funding
This 3.5 year PhD Studentship provides
- UK tuition fee waiver*
- Annual stipend at UKRI rates. To be confirmed for 2023/24 (£17,668 for 2022/23)
*International candidates should note that they will be required to cover the difference between the UK (Home) and International tuition fees each year (this will be in the region of £17,000 per annum and will be confirmed at the point of offer).
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold/or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor's Degree 2:1 (or overseas equivalent) or better in a relevant subject.The University of Leicester English language requirements apply where applicable.
Informal enquiries
Informal enquiries
Enquiries to Geneticspgr@le.ac.ukHow to apply
How to apply
To apply, please use the Apply button at the bottom of the page and select September 2023 from the dropdown menu.
With your application, please include:
- CV
- Personal statement explaining your interest in the project, your experience and why we should consider you.
- Degree certificates and transcripts of study already completed and if possible transcript to date of study currently being undertaken.
- Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable.
- In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available.
- In the funding section please specify that you wish to be considered for the GGB Garton Studentship.
- In the research proposal section please provide the name of the project supervisors and the project title (a proposal is not required).
Eligibility
Eligibility
Open to UK and International* students.
*International candidates should note that they will be required to cover the difference between the UK (Home) and International tuition fees each year (this will be in the region of £17,000 per annum and will be confirmed at the point of offer).
