Studentships 2010
China's Emerging Role in Global Health Governance: Navigating between Access to Medicines and Economic Development
Cost Effective Delivery Strategies for the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Crystallisation of the Multifunctional Receptor Clustering Protein Gephyrin
Development of Word Naming and Knowing in Children aged 3-7: A Behavioural and Computational Modelling Study
Exploring Cognitive and Genetic Explanations for the Overlap Between Autism and Other Mental Health Problems in Adolescence
Generation of Zebrafish Models of Neurodegeneration
Good Health at Low Cost - Understanding the Contribution of Political, Economic and Structural Factors Promoting Good Health
Kinesin Molecular Motors as Targets for Malaria Treatment
Land and Law in War to Peace Transitions in Africa
Mobile Learning for Development: Participatory Design of an Open Mobile Knowledge Exchange Network for the Detection, Identification and Monitoring of Infectious Disease
Social and Educational Determinants of Sexual Partner Choice and HIV Risk Among Young Women in South Africa
The Development of Problem-Solving Abilities in Typical and Atypical Development
Validation of the Mitochonrial Translocator Protein (Mtspo) in Comparative Cancer Biology and Molecular Chemotherapy

Kinesin Molecular Motors as Targets for Malaria Treatment

Supervisor: Dr Carolyn Moores (Birkbeck College)

Co-Supervisor: Dr Colin Sutherland (London School of Hygience & Tropical Medicine)

Malaria is caused by the intracellular Plasmodium parasite and infects over 300 million people a year, killing more than 1 million. The complex life cycle of the malaria parasite, the small number of drugs available and emerging drug resistance mean that novel drug targets are desperately needed. Kinesins are ATP-dependent microtubule-based motors that have multiple essential roles in eukaryotes and could be potential targets for anti-malaria drugs.

Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous malaria species and its fully sequenced genome encodes ten putative kinesins, about which little is known. This project will focus on two novel malaria kinesins that are predicted members of the kinesin-5 family of essential cell division motors. The motor domains of the putative kinesin-5s will be cloned and expressed in E.coli, and their biochemical activity will be characterised. In particular, kinesin ATPase activity and the way the motors interact with microtubules will provide insight into their functions in vivo. Cryo-electron microscopy of kinesin-microtubule complexes will be performed to elucidate the structure of the motor bound to its microtubule substrate. The project will also involve in vivo studies to probe the biological roles of kinesin-5s and will focus on the sexual stages (gametocytes) of the parasite. The expression profiles and localisation of kinesin-5s in gametocytes and mosquito stages of the parasite will be characterised using synchronised cultures of gametocytes

Ultimately, the combination of molecular and cellular work will help determine the suitability of kinesin-5s as targets for malaria therapy.

Suitable candidates should have a degree (2:1 or higher) in biological sciences, some research experience and enthusiasm for discovery. The project will provide opportunities for research and training in biochemical and structural techniques as well as molecular and cellular parasitology.

Key References

1. Moores, CA et al (2002) Mol Cell 9, 903-909
2. Bodey, AJ et al (2009) J Mol Biol 388, 218-224
3. Fivelman, QL et al (2007) Mol Biochem Parasitol 154, 119-123
4. Sutherland, CJ (2009) Mol Biochem Parsitol 166, 93-98

Further details about the project may be obtained from:

Supervisor: Dr Carolyn Moores, c.moores@mail.cryst.bbk.ac.uk
http://people.cryst.bbk.ac.uk/~ubcg62d/

Co-Supervisor: Dr Colin Sutherland, colin.sutherland@lshtm.ac.uk
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/people/sutherland.colin

Further information about PhDs at Birkbeck is available from:
http://www.cryst.bbk.ac.uk/phd.html

Application forms and details about how to apply are available from:
http://www.bbk.ac.uk/study/phd/bioinformatics/biophd.html

PhD Programme Administrator, Tim Hoe
Tel: 00 44 (0) 20 7079 0745
e-mail: t.hoe@mail.cryst.bbk.ac.uk

Please include Academic Transcripts and a CV in addition to the standard application form

Closing Date for Applications: 1st March 2010

The Bloomsbury Colleges, University of London: Birkbeck; Institute of Education; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; School of Oriental and African Studies; The School of Pharmacy; Royal Veterinary College.