Gene regulation of Phytophthora pluvialis when confronted by host resistance

Be part of a project that unravels genetic secrets to combat forest diseases, enhance tree resistance, and gain cutting-edge bioinformatics skills while contributing to the future of forest health.

Project Overview

This research project fits within Pou Titirangi 1.1 Ecosystem Health and focuses on the genetic regulation of Phytophthora pluvialis, a pathogen causing severe tree diseases like red needle cast in radiata pine. By leveraging an existing transcriptomic dataset and training a student in advanced computational techniques, we aim to uncover how Phytophthora pluvialis responds to enhanced tree resistance.

Ultimately, this project seeks to mitigate the impact of Phytophthora pluvialis on managed forest ecosystems. Through exploration of the genetic regulation mechanisms of this pathogen, the research will contribute to strategies that enhance tree resistance and promote sustainable forest management.

Training benefits, skill development, and research opportunities

The student involved in this project will receive extensive training in bioinformatics and computational biology related to transcriptional analysis. They will be trained to perform data analysis and generation of figures using R software. The option exists for additional training in command line tools for mapping raw reads to recently updated genomes. Participants will collaborate with experienced researchers, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through real-world research challenges. We expect this work to contribute directly to an upcoming manuscript (February/March 2025) resulting in a co-authorship for the student.

Research Format and Methodology

The research plan will proceed in a standard format that reflects best practice in transcriptomic analysis. RNA-seq transcriptomic data is available for Phytophthora pluvialis over 5 days of growth on resistant and susceptible pine. The students will:

• Analyse data: Genes will be analysed for differential transcription over time and between growth on resistant and susceptible pine to identify key regulatory genes and pathways involved in the pathogen’s lifecycle and infection success.
• Visualise results: Data visualisation techniques will be thoroughly explored to identify the most effective ways of presenting the experimental design and analytical results.
• Report results: Results will be compiled into a short report and a presentation.

This structured approach ensures that students experience the full research cycle, from understanding the underlying hypothesis and experimental design to data analysis, interpretation and reporting.

Scholarship Amount

A total of $7000 tax free is available for each scholarship. Fortnightly payments will be made for the duration of the scholarship, with the final payment of $1000 on receipt of the approved student project report.

Application Process

Please download and complete the BA Summer scholar student application form 2024 (Word doc).  Send your completed application form, along with a CV and a Cover Letter detailing why you feel you would be suitable for this position.

Email applications to [email protected] before the closing date 29 September 2024.