Name a new parasite!

Project type: Masters, Bachelor.

Analysis of genetic diversity in the intestinal parasite Endolimax has led to the recognition that the genus comprises not only one (Endolimiax nana) but at least two ribosomal lineages that differ by approximately 15% or maybe more.

The clinical significance of infection by Endolimax is uncertain, and it is possible that different lineages may have different clinical impact.

We have access to Endolimax DNA from the newly recognized lineage and primers that specifically amplify the small subunit rRNA gene of Endolimax; this gene is typically used for taxonomic inferences, including naming of new species.

We are now ready to perform a study similar to what we have already been doing on a related parasite, namely Iodamoeba (PMID: 21940643).

Objectives/Aims

We hope that you would help us characterize this newly recognized ribosomal lineage. The work will involve PCR, TA cloning, clone sequencing (using either Sanger or NGS), sequence alignment, and phylogenetic analysis, with a view to mapping the entire SSU rRNA gene and naming the new lineage.

We aim to publish the results in a journal such as Molecular Biology and Evolution, and we have a lot of NGS data displaying intra-strain genetic variability already that can be published in the same paper. We would offer you authorship as either 1^st or 2^nd author depending on the time and work invested.

Supervisors:      
Rune Stensvold: run@ssi.dk from Laboratory of Parasitology, Statens Serum Institut.
Søren Sørensen: sjs@bio.ku.dk from Section of Microbiology, UCPH, www1.bio.ku.dk/microbiology