PhD Studentship: Feeling the force of fungi: A novel role for piezo1 in the cellular detection of fungal invasion

Primary Supervisor - Dr Stefan Bidula 

The fungal mould Aspergillus fumigatus represents a significant threat to the health of humans and animals. A. fumigatus spores are inhaled daily, but in organisms with weakened immune systems, inhalation can be life-threatening. Once inside an organism, A. fumigatus germinates to produce vine-like structures called hyphae. These hyphae break through the lung and into the bloodstream, leading to fungal growth throughout the body. The question we aim to ask is, how do cells know that they are being invaded and how do they respond? 

Fungi can invade by penetrating through the cells, invading between the cells, or releasing proteases to break down the physical cell barrier. These interactions exert a force on the cells that can be detected by mechanosensory receptors on the surface of these cells. These receptors can control important processes such as how permeable the cell barrier is and contribute to the inflammatory response. The aim of this PhD is to determine the role of these mechanosensory receptors in the detection of fungal invasion by cells of the lung, blood vessels, and immune system. This will be achieved through a combination of advanced microscopy, calcium imaging, mechanobiology, pharmacology, fluorescent, flow cytometric, and microbiological approaches.  

The successful candidate will have access to cutting-edge research facilities and will join a vibrant research community. The student will benefit from expertise in both fungal immunology and mechanobiology (Bidula and Warren) and access to a wider range of global collaborations. The student will be at the forefront of an emerging area in fungal biology and will be supported in the acquisition of a wide variety of transferable skills such as written and spoken communication, critical thinking, and problem solving. The combination of skills and experience provided by this studentship will make the student eminently employable in both academia and industry. 

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2025 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 28, 29 or 30 January 2025.  

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/ 

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living

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