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Project Overview

Project Code: MH 07

Project name:

Mechanisms behind schistosome-induced host microbial disruption.

TUM Department:

MH - Medicine

TUM Chair / Institute:

Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene

Research area:

Parasitology

Student background:

BiologyMedicine

Further disciplines:

Participation also possible online only:

Planned project location:

Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Trogerstrasse 30, Munich

Project Supervisor - Contact Details


Title:

Prof.Dr.

Given name:

Clarissa

Family name:

Prazeres da Costa

E-mail:

clarissa.dacosta@tum.de

Phone:

00498941404130

Additional Project Supervisor - Contact Details


Title:

Given name:

Jennifer

Family name:

Robb

E-mail:

jennifer.robb@tum.de

Phone:

+49 89 4140-4185

Additional Project Supervisor - Contact Details


Title:

Given name:

Family name:

E-mail:

Phone:

Project Description


Project description:

My work focuses on the Neglected tropical disease “Schistosomiasis” which is caused by parasitic flatworms that are spread by freshwater snails. I am particularly interested in when schistosomiasis coincides with pregnancy (estimated ~14% in Sub-Saharan Africa), and the immunological consequences for the offspring. One possible mechanism for trans-maternal effects of schistosomiasis is the modification of the maternal microbiota and/or microbiota-derived metabolites which are then transmitted to the offspring. The role of the student would be to assist in investigating the mechanisms behind schistosome-induced microbial disruption.
E.g. (note: methods will be taught)
Seeding and passaging of murine small intestinal and colon organoids
Isolation of eggs from the livers of schistosome-infected mice via a Percoll gradient/production of schistosome egg antigen
Exposure of organoids to schistosome eggs and monitoring for changes e.g. to the shape of the organoids using microscopy
Analysis of antimicrobial peptide expression in stool/intestinal tissue/organoids via e.g. DNA/RNA/protein isolation followed by e.g. q-PCR, ELISA, Western Blot

Working hours per week planned:

40

Prerequisites


Required study level minimum (at time of TUM PREP project start):

2 years of bachelor studies completed

Subject related:

Other:

  • Keine Stichwörter