PhD – Horizontal gene transfer in the evolution of insects: a genomic approach

Background

Horizontal gene transfer has played a major role in the evolution of bacteria, however, its importance in animals is less clear. Recent evidence suggests that insects have repeatedly acquired genes from symbiotic bacteria that have provided them with key adaptation that has led to their success. Examples of this include, the horizontal acquisition of genes for lignocellulose digestion that has led to herbivory in beetles, and toxin encoding genes that may underlie protection from natural enemies in aphids and vinegar flies. However, it is currently unclear how common the horizontal transfer of symbiont genes is across insect species, and in most cases whether the newly acquired genes actually provide insects with adaptive functions. It is crucial to understand the dynamics of horizontal gene transfer in insects as the acquisition of novel traits from microbes is transforming our view of how arthropods evolve. This is of particular important for insect pests as it may underlie their capacity to colonise new environments and resist efforts to control them.

The successful applicant will use several insect families (e.g. aphids, ants) as models to rigorously test hypotheses on horizontal gene transfer in the evolution of insects. This may include: using whole genome sequence data to explore horizontally acquired genes involved in defence and nutrition across phylogenetically diverse insect species; investigating gene expression profiles to determine gene activity; and performing functional assays to reveal whether horizontally acquired genes provide insects with novel adaptive functions.

• You will have access to large genetic databases, insect collections, in-house live organisms and cutting-edge research facilitties to fuel your investigation.
• You will gain experience of molecular/experimental biology, comparative/metagenomics, bioinformatics, and statistics (e.g. comparative phylogenetics).
• You will be encouraged to develop your own ideas and hypotheses.

Research Environment

The School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at Queen Mary is one of the UK’s elite research centres, according to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF). We offer a multi-disciplinary research environment and have approximately 160 PhD students working on projects in the biological, chemical and psychological sciences. Our students have access to a variety of research facilities supported by experienced staff, as well as a range of student support services.

The successful applicant will enter a vibrant research environment, under the supervision of Dr Lee Henry and co-supervision of Prof Richard Nichols and Dr Chema Martin. The Henry lab is well equipped to carry out the proposed research with world-class facilities in genomics and molecular biology. The student will also have access to ample funds to facilitate the research through Dr. Henry’s external funding (~£1 million in the past ten years). Dr. Henry has an outstanding record with student supervision with a focus on students generating high impact first authorship publications.

Dr Lee Henry is a Senior Lecturer (UK equivalent to Associate Professor) in Biology. For details see: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sbcs/staff/leehenry.html

Training and Development

Our PhD students become part of Queen Mary’s Doctoral College which provides training and development opportunities, advice on funding, and financial support for research. Our students also have access to a Researcher Development Programme designed to help recognise and develop key skills and attributes needed to effectively manage research, and to prepare and plan for the next stages of their career.

The PhD student will have access to large genetic database, field collected insect samples and live in-house organisms. They will gain experience in molecular techniques, bioinformatics, experimental/field biology, and statistics (e.g. GLMM, comparative phylogenetics).

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