SCHOOL OF ADVANCED STUDIES- 2009 Research topics for PhD thesis

Area of LIFE SCIENCES

Studies

Curriculum: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Learning The aim of this curriculum is to merge intellectual and technical expertise
objectives and to offer disciplinary and interdisciplinary training programmes on the
different research topics of environmental sciences and on their impact on
public health in order to prepare the candidates for future challenges, either
in academic career or in the broader work

Research topic n.1

In vivo screening of potential antimalarial drugs with curative,
prophylactic, and transmission blocking activity, within the frame of a
multidisciplinary approach devoted to the discovery and development of
new drugs derived from chemical synthesis or from extracts of medicinal
plants.

Research topic n.2

Symbiotic control of insect of medical and economical interest:
This project is aimed to the identification of suitable bacteria to be
effectively employed in the paratrangenetic control of insect vectors with
particular regards to mosquito malaria vectors. A paratransgenic approach,
a bacteria-based system to produce effector molecules to interfere with
parasite development, would probably overcome most of the actual
limitations associated with the release of genetically modified (GM)
mosquitoes . Indeed, paratransgenesis can be compatible with insect
treatment, the chosen bacterium would be able to colonize a wide spectrum
of mosquito species and the "production" of recombinant bacteria is much
simpler and safer than rearing consistent number of GM mosquitoes

Research topic n.3

Studies on plant biodiversity and management of protected areas and
natural habitats

Research topic n.4

Characterization of bioindicators in environmental monitoring by
classical
and biotechnological approaches

Research topic n.5

Study of molecular and cellular adaptation mechanisms in organisms living
in extreme environments

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 Research topic n.6
Studies on functional genomics of cytoskeletal proteins in eukaryotic
microorganisms

Research topic n.7

Valorization of typical food products through new systems of quality
analysis and quality warranty.

Research topic n.8

Development of new molecular diagnostic procedures for genetic and
metabolic diseases

Research topic n.9

Research on Pigmentation gene(s) in sheep (Ovis aries)
Coloration is a diagnostic tool for identifying mammals, but investigating into its
function has lain dormant for almost a century. The importance of traceability of
animals and their products has grown as food production and subsequent
marketing have been industrialized and globalized, thus making direct consumer
control is impossible. The possibility of verifying the origin of animal products
would allow, not only the assessment of the product quality but also the
valorization of the local products of specific breeds. The traditional animal
identification systems have drawbacks such as the complex information, possible
recording of errors at the farm and possible frauds. Hence, implementation of
DNA based diagnostic tests could be useful and easily be integrated with
traditional identification system. It also protects and safeguards our high quality
livestock genetic resources. With the above background, our research group is
working in the development of DNA markers for paternity test, to detect
individual animal (Sheep), breed and, if possible the geographical origin in sheep
especially ‘Merino’ which is mainly known for its wool, milk and meat and also,
we are interested in the molecular mechanism behind pigmentation of sheep.
Currently we are working on the following Pigmentation Genes:
MITF – Microphthalmia Transcription Factor
SCF – Stem Cell Factor
c-Kit – Transmembrane Tyrosine kinase Receptor (Dominant white spotting)
OCA2 – Oculocutaneous Albinisam (Pinked eye dilution)

Supervisor.
Prof. Annette Research topic n.10 : VALIDATION OF ANTI-MALARIAL PLANTS AND
Habluetzel DEVELOPMENT OF IMPROVED, STANDARDIZED REMEDIES

In many areas of malaria endemic countries, medicinal plants are used as

‘first line treatment’, most often because modern drugs are not available
and/or not affordable, sometimes by choice. In recent years, awareness has
grown on the need to validate traditional medicine practices and to promote
research on the development of standardized, safe and effective treatments
and products.
This project is addressed to candidates from malaria endemic countries and
welcomes in particular applicants who have already established links with

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 traditional medicine research institutions in their countries. The research
objectives include: in vitro and in vivo validation of extracts from plants
used by communities for the treatment or prophylaxis of malaria;
identification of the target stages of anti-plasmodial activity in the vertebrate
host and/or in the vector; identification of the active molecule or molecule
class; assessment of acute and sub-acute toxicity; development of improved
remedies, by combining selected active extracts and optimising
pharmacokinetic properties of combinations

Supervisor.
Prof. Annette Research topic n.11 : TRANSMISSION BLOCKING ANTI-MALARIAL
Habluetzel DRUGS AND REMEDIES: EFFICACY ASSESSMENT AND TARGETS

The widespread use of combination therapies, based on gametocytocidal

artemisinin derivatives, can affect the gametocyte reservoir, thus reducing
the intensity of transmission and decreasing the incidence of malaria cases in
hypo- and mesoendemic areas. However, due to the short half-life of
artemisinin derivatives (2-5 hours), their action is restricted to gametocytes
present during treatment and does not affect gametocytes that develop from
recrudescence or re-infection. It would be desirable, for at least
one component of a combination therapy, to reduce transmission beyond
what can currently be achieved, by reducing, e.g., the number of infected
mosquitoes (acting on the early Plasmodium midgut stages), or the number
of infectious mosquitoes (‘curing’ any pre-existing mosquito infection or
reducing mosquito longevity).
Exploiting available knowledge on i) currently used transmission blocking
antimalarial drugs, ii) medicinal plants with transmission blocking activity
iv) mosquito-toxic compounds from medicinal plants, the project aims at
designing “improved combination therapies”, for reducing effectively
transmission intensity. This project is addressed to candidates from malaria
endemic countries and welcomes in particular applicants who have already
established links to research institutions in their countries, with which a
collaborative project can be developed.

Supervisors:
Prof. Annette Research topic n.12 : EXPLOITING KNOWLEDGE ON TRADITIONAL AND
Habluetzel , Dr. MODERN ARCHITECTURE FOR THE DESIGN OF HOUSING, SATISFYING
Maria Federica HUMAN NEEDS AND FAVORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MALARIA
VECTOR CONTROL.
Ottone etzel,
The primary function of dwellings is to give shelter to its inhabitants during
night or adverse weather conditions, but the dwelling also is home, where
human beings cultivate hope, build ties and relations between family
members. Unfortunately, in malaria endemic areas, houses represent also the
preferred habitat of anthropophylic Anopheles species, the place where they
transmit malaria parasites by taking blood meals on human hosts at night,
and where they rest during the day. Although ownership of insecticide

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treated nets is growing in many endemic countries, the proper use of the
measure is often very low. To some extent, this may be related to the
characteristics of the house: e.g. scarce air ventilation drives inhabitants to
sleep outdoors, or the size/shape of the dwellings may render difficult to
accommodate nets in a way which is compatible with other functions of the
house.
Applying a multi-disciplinary approach which involves architecture,
entomology and anthropology, this project aims at developing ‘house
prototypes’, based on local construction style and technique, that satisfy
human needs including protection from disease vectors,.
This project, which will be conducted in Ghana, is addressed to candidates
from malaria endemic countries and welcomes in particular applicants who
have already established links to research institutions in their countries, with
which a collaborative project can be developed.