Přehled
This PhD project will explore the replication mechanisms of two selected bunyaviruses: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and Hazara virus. Bunyaviruses are negative-sense RNA viruses with significant implications for public health and agriculture. RVFV, a member of the Phlebovirus genus, is a zoonotic pathogen causing severe disease in humans and livestock, transmitted primarily by mosquitoes and sand flies. Hazara virus, a member of the Nairovirus genus, will serve as a model for studying Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), a highly pathogenic BSL-4 virus.The project aims to:1.Investigate the effectiveness of potential polymerase inhibitors against these viruses using both full virus assays and a minireplicon system.2.Identify and characterize mutations conferring resistance to these inhibitors.3.Assess the impact of such resistant mutations on the replication and development of RVFV in its vector, the sand fly Phlebotomus orientalis.4.Investigate the cellular host factors that interact with the viral polymerase – L protein in RVFV.The research will involve advanced techniques, including live virus work in a BSL-3 facility and minireplicon assays for studying viral replication and inhibitor effects in a controlled environment. Additionally, the student will perform expression and purification of viral proteins using the baculovirus insect cell system. The outcomes will contribute to understanding the mechanisms underlying bunyavirus replication, the development of resistance, and the implications for virus-vector interactions. Ultimately, this work could aid in the development of antiviral strategies for combating bunyavirus infections, particularly for high-risk pathogens like CCHFV.
University:
First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University
Group:
Jan Konvalinka Group, Proteases of Human Pathogens
Tutor:
RNDr. Milan Kožíšek, Ph.D.
Field of study:
Molecular and Cellular Biology, Genetics and Virology
How to apply:
At the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS / IOCB Prague, we are looking for talented, independent, and highly motivated PhD students with an MSc. degree or equivalent in life sciences or related fields. We offer exciting new projects in organic and medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular and structural biology, and analytical and physical chemistry.
- Online registration deadline: 3 March 2025
- Interview Day: 20 March 2025
Learn more and apply at www.uochb.cz/en/call-for-phd-applications.
