Examples of Potential Postgraduate International Projects For further information on please contact member of staff indicated below or Professor Dave Hoole, email: d.hoole@keele.ac.uk FRANCE Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris & Marine Biology Station, Brittany. These laboratories are involved in immunology, parasitology, host parasite interactions, comparative endocrinology, eco-physiology and biology of aquatic organisms. The projects in Paris and Brittany have scientific links and students may interact with each other and visit both laboratories if they wish. The Paris laboratories are working on a range of studies including endocrine mechanisms of regulation of puberty in lower vertebrates (European Eel, Conger Eel and Roach) and utilse a range of cell culture and molecular biological techniques. The Marine Institute in Brittany is a working in the laboratory on arrange of marine issues with a biological and biochemical themes and use a range of specialised biological, biochemical and molecular biological techniques. Projects include for example exploring interactions between sexual maturation and calcium metabolism in lower vertebrates (European Eel and Conger Eel), the biochemistry of pearl formation in molluscs, conservation and speciation of endanger marine species. Other projects include immunological and molecular biological analysis on the interaction of mammalian hosts and their parasitic infections Keele Staff member to contact for further details Prof. D. Hoole Institut Pasteur, Paris. The is a prestigious medically orientated research Institute within the southern area of Paris Projects are offered is a range of areas but primarily concentrating in tropical medicine primarily associated with malaria. A range of projects are offered ranging from investigating protein (virulent factors) transport in Plasmodium falciparum infected red blood cells, serum profiles and vaccine development, biological aspects of resistance in vectors such as mosquitos. The programme of work will involve training in a range of specialised techniques relevant to the project area. The Institute has an international reputation as a Centre of Excellence, hosts many international scientists and in the past has been awarded several Nobel prizes. Keele Staff members to contact for further details Prof. D. Hoole, Dr. H. Price, Dr. P. Horrocks. Institut Laue Langevin, Grenoble, France. The I.L.L. is a neutron research centre situated on a campus where it has formed a Partnership in Structural Biology (PSB) with other world leading facilities, such as the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory. This research project will benefit from the PSB facilities providing experience in a wide range of techniques as well as tutorials, seminar programs and French language courses. The research will focus on neutron structural studies of proteins found in tropical plants, with the view to find a molecular basis for their intense sweet taste. The project will be supervised by a joint Keele University/I.L.L. Lecturer who has developed collaborations with groups in Lund, Sweden and Atlanta, USA. The ILL will provide extra financial support to help with living expenses and travel costs Keele Staff member to contact for further details Dr. S. Teixeira (Leonard Jones) THE NETHERLANDS Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Radboud University Nijmegen . The Ecology and Ecophysiology Group at the Radboud University Nijmegen is specialised in physiological, structural and biochemical techniques for the study of stress and adaptation to stress particularly in fish. The group has developed techniques and parameters for examining the effects of environmental variables and stressors on growth, reproduction and recruitment success. There are close collaborations and exchanges between the group and aquaculturists, molecular biologists and immunologists both at national and international level. Keele Staff member to contact for further details Prof. D. Hoole Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Wageningen University. The section Medical and Veterinary Entomology focuses its teaching and research much on the ecology and control of disease vectors. Emphasis is on malaria vectors (Anopheles spp.), but research is also conducted on vectors of arboviral diseases (Culex pipiens and Aedes aegypti) and vectors of Lyme disease (Ixodes ricinus). Research projects include the hostseeking behaviour of malaria mosquitoes, and the discovery of human odours that affect mosquito behaviour. This research is conducted at different levels: analytical chemistry, neurophysiology, laboratory and field behaviour. The effect of environmental and nutritional conditions on fitness of mosquitoes is also being investigated. Studies on vector control focus on the use of biological agents that kill larval and adult mosquitoes. Entomopathogenic fungi are being studies as killing agents of adult mosquitoes in natural resting sites of malaria mosquitoes. In addition we investigate the use of products that kill larvae. Work on the Lyme disease vector Ixodes ricinus focuses on interactions between ticks,vertebrate hosts and the Borrelia parasite(s). This work is being done in the laboratory (autecology) and in the field near Wageningen. Current studies focus on the influence of Borrelia infections on tick behaviour and survival. Studies on arboviral vectors are being done jointly with the Wageningen Laboratory of Virology, to assess the impact of West Nile virus on mosquito behaviour and survival. In addition, the population biology and ecology of candidate mosquito vectors is being investigated in laboratory and field. Keele Staff member to contact for further details Drs. F. Tripet & W. D. Kirk Cell Biology and Immunology Research Group, Wageningen University. The Cell Biology & Immunology (CBI) group combines fundamental research on the regulation of the humoral and cellular immune response with more strategic research on disease resistance and vaccination. The CBI group has a long-standing record of research into the immune system of the common carp, focusing both on the cellular and molecular level, studying molecules which play an important role in antigen-presentation (MHC molecules), antigen-recognition (NK, T, B cell receptor) and immune regulation (NO, cytokines) of the fish immune response to parasites. The CBI group has modern facilities for molecular studies and cellular studies. The graduates will receive extensive training within these areas. Keele Staff member to contact for further details Prof. D. Hoole Wageningen UR. The Biocontrol and Semiochemicals Group at Plant Research International B.V., part of Wageningen UR, works on biocontrol agents and semiochemicals to control insects and nematodes. They have excellent research facilities for chemical, electrophysiological and behavioural assays as well as glasshouse facilities. The scientific staff consists of chemists, entomologists and nematologists, offering the chance to work in a multidisciplinary team. Keele Staff member to contact for further details Dr. W.D. Kirk Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Centre. The department, has extensive experience in the study of obstructive (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and restrictive lung diseases (emphysema) at all levels from molecular to clinical. The group applies cohort studies of inflammatory indicators to relate molecular and cellular events to the manifestation and progression of disease. In addition, there are several programmes of investigation of leukocyte and airway structural cell biology. The group has collaborations with groups in the UK, Germany, Japan, the USA and Brazil, and has hosted several students and visiting fellows. The department is a recognized centre of excellence for research into lung disease and is a centre for numerous large-scale multicentre clinical trials. Keele Staff member to contact for further details Prof. D. Hoole & Dr. G. Dent (Medical School) GERMANY Veterinary Institute (TiHo), Hannover There are several project available within this Institute. The Fish Diseases group of TIHO has a long lasting experience in the study of the interaction of pathogenss with their cyprinid hosts and utilises a range of immunological and molecular techniques. Graduates will receive training in these techniques with respect to disease within fishes. The group collaborates in other national and international programs with AWI Bremerhaven, TU Berlin, Hebrew University Jerusalem, National Centre of Mariculture, Eilat, UNA, Costa Rica, and American College, Madurai, India through grants from the German Ministry of Science (BMBF), the Volkswagen Foundation; German Academic Exchange Program (DAAD). The work of the group is supported by grants from the German Research Foundation (DFG) and from industry. The group thus hosts visits from several international scientists. In addition, there are projects available in a range of other disciplines and groups including neurological studies on the brain (enquire Prof. Hoole for further details). Keele Staff member to contact for further details Prof. D. Hoole POLAND Institute of Ichthyobiology and Aquaculture, Golysz, Polish Academy of Sciences. The Institute of Ichthyobiology and Aquaculture of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Golysz, Poland is a research institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The main research focus include the study of the biological basis of carp breeding, the development of breeding methods in ponds and controlled conditions, and optimisation of links between carp farming and water management. The Institute offers training in the areas of fish propagation in controlled conditions and fish breeding. The laboratory uses techniques such PAAG electrophoresis, immunoblotting, PCR and sequencing as well as ELISA related techniques. The Institute is well prepared as a conference centre and organises summer and semester training and courses for students and for research workers of biology and fisheries. Keele Staff member to contact for further details Prof. D. Hoole SWEDEN Department of Respiratory Medicine & Allergology, Göteborg University. The department, specializes in studies of the physiology and pathophysiology of the airways both in humans and in animal models of disease. Mechanisms of eosinopoiesis and eosinophil trafficking in asthma are a particular focus, while the roles of cytokines and sensory neuropeptides in asthma pathogenesis are under investigation in animal models. The department is a centre for several international clinical trials, and pathophysiological mechanisms are also studied in human subjects. The department has existing collaborations with groups in the Netherlands and Japan. Keele Staff member to contact for further details Dr. G. Dent (Medical School) IRELAND Proteomics Research Centre, Dept. Life and Physical Sciences, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Rd, Galway The group specialised in advanced techniques to study economical problems associated with marine culture in Europe. Examples of projects available include 1) the expression of various biomarkers of stress in tissues and hemolymph of mussel (Mytilus edulis) cultured in vitro and exposed to pharmaceuticals as a pollutant. The techniques utilised include in vitro cell culture techniques, planning and organising exposures in vitro, measurement of various biomarkers of stress (lipid peroxidation, glutathione S-transferase among others) and statistical analysis. 2) Recent developments in long term crustacean holding facilities in Ireland have permitted the storage of lobster up to 6 months. Although providing Irish companies with greater control over their product, recent out-breaks of disease in lobster holding facilities have highlighted the need for development in crustacean health diagnostics. Current strategies in monitoring disease in lobster are destructive and require routine histological analysis ultimately resulting in increased financial burden on a company. There is a greater need for the development of an inexpensive diagnostic kit, which does not require specialised personnel, to monitor/screen for diseased animals in holding facilities or prior to their introduction. Furthermore, knowledge of crustacean innate immune and stress responses is lacking. The project will attempt to elucidate proteins displaying acute phase-like properties in European Lobster exposed to various stressors using 2-D gel electrophoresis. The researcher will be trained in various proteomic techniques including 2-D gel electrophoresis, 2-D gel software analysis and LC/MS analysis. Keele Staff member to contact for further details Professor D. Hoole ITALY Ronzoni Institute, Institute for Chemical and Biochemical Research, Milan The prestigous Ronzoni Institute was founded in 1927, by the philanthropist Luigi Ronzoni, who dedicated it to the memory of his mother Giuliana. First established as an institute for post-graduate training in Industrial Chemistry, it acquired its title as "Istituto Scientifico di Chimica e Biochimica G. Ronzoni", in 1941. By Decree of the President of the Italian Republic (October 16, 1952), the Institute was incorporated as a private Non-profit Foundation, connected with the Ministry of Research. The Institute's activities are entirely on a non-profit basis. The Institute occupies a total of 2000 m2, 1500 of which as laboratories, and employ staff researchers (at present, 10 senior researchers), young post-graduate research fellows (10 - 20), PhD students, visiting professors and scientists. Ronzoni Institute is officially recognized by Italian Minister of Research (MIUR) and registered by the qualified laboratory board. It is included in the QuESTIO board of qualified laboratories established by Lombardia government. The Institute has received the Certification of the Italian Ministry of Health for the physico-chemical characterization in compliance with the GLP principles of the OECD and the European Directives implemented by the Italian laws. The institute is located in Milan (Italy) in front of the campus of the scientific faculties of the University of Milan, in the so called “Città Studi” area. Research activities of the institute are focused on scientific areas and topics with social implications (direct or indirect). The Institute's main field of activity is that of experimental research and associated education and research training. The Ronzoni Institute has been building on its experience in synthesis and mechanism/mode of actions of biologically-active substances. The majority of the research undertaken is carried out in-house at the well furnished state-of-the-art laboratories of the Institute. The staff are ably assisted by fellows supported by public and private research grants. In order to extend the scope of its research, the Institute encourages collaborative work and the exchange of research workers with Italian and foreign laboratories or universities. Research reports are generally published in English, in national or international specialized journals of Chemistry, Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry. The Institute houses three research theme as well as providing analytical services for industry. The three research themes are: (i) Carbohydrate Science (ii) NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) (iii) Peptides and Peptidomimetics The research project offered will take place in the Carbohydrate Science group at the Institute, which is is devoted to the elucidation of structure:function relationships and applied properties of oligo- and polysaccharides. By exploiting biochemical, chemical, and physicochemical approaches, this unit deals with polysaccharides, with applications ranging from pharmaceutical to textile fields. Keele Staff member to contact for further details Dr. M. Skidmore