The role of PE/PPE proteins in tuberculosis

Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s biggest killers due to an infectious disease. There remains an urgent need for the development of effective vaccines and novel drug targets against the disease. The PE/PPE family of proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis make up about 10% of the pathogen’s proteome. These proteins play pivotal roles in the interaction between the pathogen and its host, influencing virulence, immune evasion, and drug resistance (D’Souza et al., 2023). The aim of this project is to characterise several members of this family whose functions are unknown using in vitro and in vivo approaches.

Training Opportunities:

Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge molecular microbiology techniques, including gene manipulation, protein expression and purification, CRISPRi, dual RNA-Seq, Flow Cytometry and FACS and Fluorescence Microscopy.
Utilise advanced Bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis and structural modelling to elucidate protein function and interactions.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, fostering skills in scientific communication, leadership, and project management.
Access state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support your research goals.
Present your findings at national and international conferences, enhancing your visibility within the scientific community.

Preferred Candidate Profile:

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with a strong background in Microbiology, Genomics, Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

The ideal candidate should possess:

A Bachelors or Masters degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
Proficiency in laboratory techniques, with prior experience in bacterial genetics and protein biochemistry preferred.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, coupled with a passion for scientific inquiry.
Effective communication abilities and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
A keen interest in infectious diseases and a drive to make a meaningful impact on global health.

References:

D'Souza C, Kishore U, Tsolaki AG. The PE-PPE Family of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Proteins in Disguise.
Immunobiology. 2023 Mar;
228(2):152321.
doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152321.
Epub 2022 Dec 30.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Anthony Tsolaki - Qualifications: -

DPhil, University of Oxford, 1999
MSc, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 1994
BSc (Hons), Biochemistry, University of North London, 1993

Academic Appointments

September 2006 - Present Lecturer, Brunel University London
September 2004 - August 2006, Post Doctoral Fellow, Imperial College London
May 2000 - July 2004 Post Doctoral Fellow, Stanford University
May 1999 - May 2000 University of California, Berkeley