Employing molecular virology to investigate hepatitis E virus replication

Summary

The Herod lab has a broad interest in virus replication, with a particular interest in studying single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses important for human and animal health. We uses an interdisciplinary approach to understand the molecular mechanism that regulate viral genome replication, virion assembly and disassembly. The lab studies a range of viruses, with a particular interest in GI viral infections such as norovirus and hepatitis E virus. Our overarching aim is to use a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of viral replication to develop new approaches to disease control.

The School of Molecular and Cellular biology invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2024/25.

We especially welcome applications that connect to the School's core research areas.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), is a major causative agent of acute, severe hepatitis. The infection can also be chronic, particular in immunocompromised people, and fatal in pregnant women or those with existing liver diseases. The virus can be zoonotic (i.e. it can spread from animals to humans) and can infect a wide range of animals, most notable pigs where it can be passed onto humans through consumption of contaminated pork products. There are no licenced therapies to treat HEV infection and therefore there is a requirement to develop new therapeutic strategies.

Until recently, probing details of HEV replication has been challenging, partly due to the lack of suitable reagents. This project aims to exploit recently developed subgenomic replicons, infectious molecular clones and a unique set of tools to understand the function of the viral non-structural proteins on a molecular level (in combination with biochemical, proteomics, labelling and state-of-the-art imaging approaches). These proteins are unique to the virus and essential for viral genome replication. Therefore, they make ideal targets for the design of new therapeutics. The long-term aim of the work is to use a greater knowledge of the molecular details of viral replication to develop new approaches for disease control and diagnosis.

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.