Exploiting Genomics for Developing Autogenous Vaccines to Control Campylobacter in Poultry

该学生是一个多学科小组的成员，专注于比较基因组学和对公共卫生重要的细菌病原体的进化。他们正在调查弯曲杆菌的遗传基础和生态学，解释在人类疾病的主要宿主家禽中分离株之间产生和维持基因型和表型多样性所涉及的因素。比较基因组学和功能基因组学方法被用于研究遗传结构，并回答有关遗传变异和基因组可塑性如何影响病原体的适应和进化的基本问题。生物信息学正被用于设计控制农场肉鸡弯曲杆菌的疫苗。该学生负责培养分离物，提取DNA进行遗传表征，分析基因组数据，并在实验室进行分子和功能表征。作为该项目的一部分，学生还将在Ridgeway生物制品有限公司（http://www.ridgewaybiologicals.co.uk/）进行为期三个月的实习，在那里他/她将参与在农场进行测试之前的自体疫苗制造。

This student is working as part of a multidisciplinary group focusing on comparative genomics and evolution of bacterial pathogens of public health importance. They are investigating the genetic basis and ecology of Campylobacter by explaining the factors involved in generating and maintaining genotypic and phenotypic diversity among isolates in the primary reservoir of human disease, poultry. Comparative and functional genomics approaches are being used to examine genetic structuring and answer fundamental questions about how genetic variation and genome plasticity influence adaptation and the evolution of pathogens. Bioinformatics is being exploited for the design of vaccines for the control of Campylobacter in broiler chickens on farm. The student is responsible for culturing isolates, extracting DNA for genetic characterisation, analysing genomic data and carrying molecular and functional characterisation in the lab. As part of this project, the student will also spend a three month placement at Ridgeway Biologicals Ltd (http://www.ridgewaybiologicals.co.uk/) where he/she will be involved in the manufacture of autogenous vaccines prior to testing on farm.