Potential PhD project for joint CSC-UG joint scholarship
The research group of Prof. Jingyuan Fu from University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands, is looking for a PhD student.
Information about the CSC-UG joint scholarship can be found:
Charactering bacterial biosynthesis and biotransformation capacity: from novel gene discovery to bioactive compounds identification
Project description: The impact of the gut microbiome in human health is largely via its biocatalytic and biosynthesis capacity. In recent years, metagenomics-based approaches have identified various microbial species, even strains with specific genetic makeup, are involved in host’s immunity, metabolism, and drug response. However, detailed function of identified species remains to be experimentally confirmed. In LifeLines Microbiome Project, the information of disease, drug usage, genetics and the gut microbiome are available for over 8,000 individuals. Moreover, gut live microbes have been preserved. The aim of this project is to combine anaerobic culturomics with various biotechnological technologies and high-throughput omics profiling to functionally characterize bacterial species, genes and its bioactive products that are of high potential for clinical translation. Specifically, the project includes:
1. Screening bacterial metabolism of commonly used drugs. Previous studies have shown that 66% of drugs can be consumed by gut species. By combining mass spectrometry analysis, it is possible to assess the mass differences before and after microbial transformation, thereby predicting underlying chemical transformation. In this project, we will co-culture bacterial isolates with drugs to investigate drug biotransformation by bacterial genes. In addition to single isolate analysis, we also test the drug metabolism capacity of microbial communities by culturing the whole gut microbial community. Moreover, we also assess the impact of drugs on microbial community and the cross-feeding relationship between bacteria.
2. Via genomic mining tools, bacterial structural variations and genes are identified to be related to host’s metabolism and immunity. In addition to isolate strains of interest from human samples, we will also apple molecular technologies to clone, mutate, delete the genes of interest for functional understanding.
PhD student working on these projects will be expected to:
• An MSc degree in microbiology, biochemistry, pharmacy, and biomedicine
• Experiences in bacterial culture and metabolism are highly appreciated
• The candidate must be highly motivated and can work independently
• Excellent communication skills in English, orally and writing
• A team player
Working environment
The UMCG is one of five medical research centers in the Netherlands. The student will be jointly supervised by prof. Jingyuan Fu (genetics department) and Dr. Hermie Harmsen (department of microbiology). We have an energetic, dynamic, and international working environment, with state-of-the-art laboratory and computing technology.
The research team is very enthusiastic and has published several high impact papers on the gut microbiome. With CSC-UG joint scholarship, the student will receive extra financial support from University of Groningen, in addition to CSC funding.
You can check the profiles of supervisors here:
Interested in this project
Please send your CV to Prof. Jingyuan Fu (j.fu@umcg.nl) by 15 Nov 2021. For more information, please also contact Prof. Jingyuan Fu (j.fu@umcg.nl).
