Molecular interactions for chlamydia cell invasion

University of East Anglia

United Kingdom, Norwich

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University of East Anglia

United Kingdom , Norwich

Key Facts

Program Level

PhD (Philosophy Doctorate)

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines25-Sep-2023

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 5 year(s)

Next Intake 25-Sep-2023

Molecular interactions for chlamydia cell invasion

About

Chlamydia is a bacterial obligate intracellular parasite that extensively modifies the host cell for its own advantage during infection. This is achieved through effectors, proteins that are produced by chlamydia and injected into the host cell. Once inside the host cell, the effectors interact with host proteins to alter the cell cytoskeleton, metabolism, survival and other parameters, providing optimal growth conditions for the parasite. This PhD project aims to study these molecular interactions to understand how chlamydia modifies the cell at a molecular level.

We have shown that Tarp, an intrinsically disordered protein from chlamydia, contains a partially formed helix that is stabilised when bound to an actin monomer. This disorder-to-order transition is part of the process that leads to the nucleation of new actin filaments at the beginning of the cell invasion process, forming an actin pedestal that brings chlamydia into the cell. The PhD project intends to look at other chlamydia effectors and their interactions with host cell proteins. For instance, TmeA interacts with N-WASP contributing to cytoskeleton remodelling, CT229 interacts with the cell signalling proteins to help establish the chlamydial inclusion, and CT166 mediates actin depolymerisation.

Chlamydia is the main cause of preventable blindness in the world (trachoma) and is responsible for the most diagnosed sexually transmitted disease in the UK which in many cases results in infertility. To infect cells and cause disease, chlamydia produces a very large number of effectors which affect the host cell in many different ways. While chlamydia infections are currently treatable with antibiotics, there are early signs of emerging resistance. Understanding the mechanisms of such a pathogen will allow us to find new targets for drug therapies. At the same time, the multiple cellular pathways explored by chlamydia can also be targeted by other pathogens, so their characterisation will have wider application.

The student will receive training in protein expression and purification, protein NMR spectroscopy, and a number of biophysical techniques for studying protein interactions.

Applications are processed as soon as they are received and the project may be filled before the closing date, so early application is encouraged.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1. Acceptable first degree in Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry or related subjects.

English Program Requirements

If English is not your first language or you are from a country that is not on the UKVI list of English speaking countries, you may be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in the English language. Further information on English language requirements can be found on our information pages.

How to Apply

If you are applying from outside the UK for a Student Visa, you will be applying for an Entry Clearance visa. This visa will be a 30 day visa that will allow you to enter the UK. Once you are in the UK, you will need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) visa.

Please note this page has general information regarding applying from outside of the UK for a Student Visa and should only be used as a guide. Read the Home Office Student VisaPolicy Guidancefor the full requirements.

1.Prepare to meet all the requirements and to get all the required documents ready to apply. It is important to prepare your finances as this is the main requirement that you need to do prepare in advance. If you are using a bank account, you need to show the total funds required for 28 days. Other financial documents may also take time to prepare, so start early. Also prepare how and when you are going to apply. It is also essential that you know the requirements and rules.

2.Get a CAS Statement from UEA. If you are required to have an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate, you must apply for this before you are able to get your CAS.

3.Complete the application form online. Apply online on the GOV.UK website

It is recommended that you use the Access UK website to apply - available from the GOV.UK website.

You will need to do the following as part of the online application:

Pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) and visa application fee
Select a UK postcode for collecting your StudentVisa

We would highly recommend that you select the University of East Anglia as your alternative collection location (ACL). The code that you need to put in your application is 2HE564. This code will be listed on the Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) that the University has issued and that you need to apply for your Student Visa. If you cannot or do not wish to collect your BRP at the University, you have the option of collecting your BRP at some selected Post Offices. If you decide to collect from the local Post Office, use the University of East Anglia address (post code NR4 7TJ) to locate the nearest post office.

State the intended date of travel for collection of your Student visa in the UK.

When you apply for your visa outside the UK you will be asked to provide an intended travel date. We suggest that you choose a date 7 days before your course start date.

Select the location of your appointment
Print off your document checklist

4. Submit your application and supporting documents. Follow the instructions carefully when you apply. You must submit all the original documents. Your original documents will be returned to you.

Remember if you are applying within the Tier 4 Pilot Scheme or the Differentiation Arrangements you will not need to submit all your supporting documents.

5. Attend an interview appointment

All students applying for a Student visa will be required to attend an interview appointment, where you will also give your biometrics (a photograph and your fingerprints).

6. Receive your visa and passport. Your visa will be in your passport. This is a 30-day visa that will allow you to travel to the UK and collect your Student Visa Biometric Residence Permit card.

The vignette is proof only of your permission to enter the UK. You must travel during these 30 days and you will not be allowed to enter the country outside those dates (if for any reason you are unable to travel you’ll need to apply and pay for a vignette transfer for a new 30-day period).

Please note that you must never arrive in the UK earlier than 1 month before the start date of your course if you are studying a course for 6 months or more or a pre-sessional course (7 days if your course is less than 6 months).