Comparative and functional genomics to unveil liver fluke sexual development.

In this project I aim to utilise a mixture of computational biology including using large scale omics data and in vitro culture and manipulation of juvenile Fasciola hepatica to help uncover the sexual development of immature fluke. I will also be utilising single cell omics to reveal molecular factors present in individual cells of the parasite that could help to uncover the key genes involved in the sexual development of F. hepatica. The project will use a diverse range of tools, from gene expression manipulation, localisation of proteins and transcripts in the parasite tissues to high-throughput analyses of different phenotypic effects in genetically manipulated parasites.
The techniques I will use and develop during the project will hopefully aim to answer a wide range of questions surrounding the sexual development of juvenile Fasciola and in turn help aid our understanding of the helminth's genomics. Utilising novel technology and cross disciplinary research may also lead to exciting prospects for uncovering potential novel targets for the control of fascioliasis.