PRESENTATION OF THE SUB-PROJECT 7
Role of non-coding sRNAs in the transmission of L. monocytogenes between environments
Host organisation: University of Southern Denmark (SDU) Secondments: University of Burgundy (UB) and National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)
HOST INSTITUTION AND SUPERVISOR:
University of Southern Denmark, DR. Birgitte KALLIPOLITIS (more details)
OBJECTIVES:
This project will focus on the characterization of selected non-coding sRNAs in L. monocytogenes specifically induced in response to signals encountered by the bacterium in the external environment and/or within the infected host. The role(s) of the sRNAs will be addressed by searching for their cellular targets and mechanism of action. These studies involve :
- Identification of genes affected by the sRNAs, using transcriptomics and proteomics approaches.
- Studies of the regulatory mechanism by which the sRNAs affect the translation and/or mRNA stability of their target genes, using experimental and computational approaches.
- Studies of the role of sRNAs and selected target genes in virulence, using various infection models. Proteome analyses will be performed in NUIG.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
Characterisation of the regulatory role of selected ncRNAs, identification of regulated genes, assessment of their role in adaptation to selected habitats and virulence
SECONDMENTS:
National University of Ireland Galway (more details) and University of Burgundy (more details)
DURATION OF THE RECRUITMENT :
36 months
PRESENTATION OF THE FELLOW
Patrícia DOS SANTOS
MY PREVIOUS TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
My name is Patrícia dos Santos, I am 25 years old and I am from Portugal. I did my studies in the University of Aveiro (Portugal), where I studied Biotechnology. During my master in Molecular Biotechnology, I decided to go abroad, under the Erasmus program, in order to do my master thesis. I chose the University of Southern Denmark where I stayed for a few months. This experience allowed me to work within the field of microbiology, in particular with antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
WHY I WANTED TO JOIN THE PROJECT :
Since my Erasmus period abroad, my interest in microbiology increased. I started to look for PhD positions in the area, and the one in the University of Southern Denmark looked like a great opportunity for me, because it was in the field of microbiology, but also because I would have to work with small RNAs, something completely new to me.
ABOUT MY RESEARCH PROJECT :
My project is called “Role of non-coding sRNAs in the transmission of Listeria monocytogenes between environments”. It means that the aim of my research project is to characterize selected sRNAs, identify sRNA-regulated genes and assess how important they are for the adaptation of L. monocytogenes in different habitats. My project will originate specific transcriptomes and proteomes that will be used to develop the transcriptome-based tool, the main point of the overall project. After selection of the sRNAs, mutant strains carrying single deletions of the sRNA-encoding genes will be constructed, and the transcriptome and proteome of sRNA mutant strains and the wild type strain will be compared using RNA-seq and MS-based proteomics, respectively. Finally, the mutant strains carrying deletions in selected sRNA-encoding genes or target genes will be used for infection studies.
OTHERS INTERESTS
Outside the lab, I mainly like to use my time to relax. Thus, I like to watch movies and series, read a book, talk to my friends and my family, go out with friends, go for a walk in the city center and if I have the time I really like to travel.
CONTACT :
https://pt.linkedin.com/in/ptdossantos
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska Curie grant agreement n° 641984
