Targeting a unique mRNA decapping enzyme for trypanosomatid infectious disease drug discovery, PhD, Faculty of Science, Charles University

Czech Republic (the)

Visit course webpage

Photos and Videos

Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
PhD	Full-time	find out	find out	0	0

About Targeting a unique mRNA decapping enzyme for trypanosomatid infectious disease drug discovery, PhD - at Faculty of Science, Charles University

Kinetoplastids encode no homologues of canonical decapping enzymes. Instead, we identified the ApaH-like phosphatase ALPH1 acting as essential mRNA decapping enzyme in trypanosomes. We have characterized the enzyme, belonging to a family absent from mammalian systems, both biochemically and in the cellular context, with the conclusion that ALPH1 is meeting key criteria of a robust drug target.

With this target in hand, it is now possible to conduct a screening campaign to identify inhibitors with potential as highly selective next generation drugs. Thus, to build upon this breakthrough, we have assembled a team combining expertise in first stage drug discovery (Charles University in Prague), trypanosome biology (University of Wuerzburg), and structural biology of mRNA interacting proteins (University of Warsaw).

We will identify specific inhibitors of ALPH1 activity by high-throughput compound library screens followed by assessment of validated hit compounds for potency in trypanosome culture and Leishmania intramacrophage assays. In parallel, collaborators will subject these inhibitors to in situ decapping assays and structural characterisation of ALPH1 co-structures guiding rational design for compoud derivatisation. Ultimately, we aim to develop these compounds into preclinical candidate drugs for sleeping sickness, the leishmaniases and Chagas disease and to harness their potential as chemical biology tools.

Five relevant publications of the research group:

Kramer S, Karolak NK, Odenwald J, Gabiatti B, Casta

Learn more about Targeting a unique mRNA decapping enzyme for trypanosomatid infectious disease drug discovery, PhD - at Faculty of Science, Charles University

Visit course webpage

Entry requirements

Contact Faculty of Science, Charles University to find course entry requirements.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at Faculty of Science, Charles University

This text facilitates quick navigation of the various types of scholarships but does not provide a full list of rules and policies regulating this field. The granting and payments of scholarships is governed primarily by the Scholarships and Bursaries Rules of Charles University (cuni.cz/UKEN-727.html), the Rules for Granting Scholarships at FSc, and the relevant measures issued by the Dean (natur.cuni.cz/fakulta/studium/bc-nmgr/predpisy-a-poplatky/stipendia; Czech only).

Students may obtain the following scholarships:

accommodation bursary;
bursary for a student in difficult social circumstances;
scholarship for outstanding academic achievement (“mark-based”);
bursary in a case worthy of special consideration;
bursary to support study abroad;
bursary for a CU student in an acutely difficult situation;
bursary to support study in the Czech Republic;
bursary for excellent research, development, innovation, artistic, or other creative achievements contributing to enhanced knowledge;
scholarship for RDI (research, development, and innovation) under special legislation;
motivation bursary for 1st year bachelor’s programme students;
motivation bursary for 1st year post-bachelor’s programme students;
sports bursary;
doctoral bursary.

Certain scholarships are granted to students automatically (without student applications), whereas others are granted further to an application (electronic or paper, depending on the type of scholarship). Bursaries are neither taxed nor included in stated income. You can find answers to frequently asked questions regarding scholarships on the Faculty website (natur.cuni.cz/fakulta/studium/helpdesk/faq-stipendia; Czech only).

For more information check our dedicated website.