Rewriting the (mitochondrial) rulebook: exploring unusual intermembrane space biology in a deadly parasite
Supervisors:
Dr Caroline Dewar, Biomedical and Life Sciences , Lancaster University
Prof Kostas Tokatlidis, School of Molecular Biosciences, University of Glasgow
Dr Frederico Rojas, Lancaster University
Summary:
Are you fascinated by mitochondrial biology and parasitology? Join our collaborative team to investigate a fundamental, yet unexplored, compartment of the mitochondrion, the intermembrane space (IMS), in one of nature’s most intriguing pathogens, the trypanosome.
Trypanosomes are major parasites of both humans and cattle in sub-Saharan Africa, threatening an estimated 60 million people and their livestock. The single mitochondrion of Trypanosoma brucei has yielded many striking examples of unusual biology that have redefined our vision of this organelle, revealing valuable novel drug targets while shedding light on mitochondrial evolution. However, the IMS, which plays critical roles in numerous cellular processes in eukaryotes, including redox-aided protein import and folding, heme biosynthesis and apoptosis, is still to be explored.
In this project, we will probe how fundamental IMS pathways function in trypanosomes whilst missing key components found in other organisms, and how these pathways are regulated. You will use state-of-the-art methods for genetic manipulation, including CRISPR/Cas9 and proteomics, to shed light on an essential cellular compartment in these divergent and medically important parasites. You will gain a diversity of valuable transferable skills in molecular biology, biochemistry, microscopy, data analysis, scientific writing and presentation.