CRISPR/Cas9-mediated dissection of an ancient symbiosis

Advisor: Hassan Salem

PhD Program: International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) 'From Molecules to Organisms'
Location: Max Planck Institute for Biology

Project description
Long-term coevolution between animals and microbes imprints convergent genomic features in both partners. In the host, horizontal acquisition of microbial genes is predicted to offset reductive genome evolution in the symbiont. But what is the genetic basis ensuring homeostasis of co-evolved and ancient animal-bacterial symbioses? The envisioned project will feature the leaf beetle-Stammera symbiosis, an experimentally tractable study system, and the genetic underpinnings behind symbiont maintenance and transmission. The successful applicant will combine PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing, spatial transcriptional profiling, CRISPR-based screening, and bioassays to gain fundamental insights into the genetic-bases of animal-microbe interactions.

More information about the research of Hassan Salem and a selection of recent publications can be found on hisfaculty page.

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Application deadline: 8 February 2023