Application Form

Hi everybody. I need your help again. You know it is time to apply for PhD position. I completed two application form. Here there is one of them. More likely it is not well-written and full of mistakes. Do you think what I wrote is focused or too much general? Thanks in advance

Research Experience:
IMPORTANT*: Please give the title and a short description of any research project carried out during your studies (diploma thesis, honours project, MSc thesis, etc.). State the rationale and goals of the research, and indicate your own contributions to the results. List publications, if any (200 words maximum):

During my Master’s studies I worked on a research project whose title is “The role of ribosomal protein S1 in the mechanism of action of antimicrobial peptides derived from Apidaecin-type peptides”. We have investigated the mechanism of action of proline-rich antimicrobial peptides named apidaecins (from honeybees). Some authors have hypothesized that apidaecins kill bacteria by blocking protein synthesis. In vivo photocrosslinking experiments performed in our laboratory before my arrival indicated that the ribosomal protein S1 could be a potential target of apidaecins. Since this protein is crucial for proper translation initiation, it has been suggested that apidaecins could inhibit protein synthesis by binding ribosomal protein S1. Firstly, we have tested the effect of natural occurring apidaecins and their synthetic derivatives on different in vitro protein synthesis systems. We have analyzed gene reporter expression in the absence and presence of apidaecins by SDS-PAGE and by Image Lab Software. Secondly, we have expressed and purified the recombinant ribosomal protein S1 in order to determine its binding constant with apidaecins by using Fluorescence Polarization assay.
I contributed to the research project by the optimization of both in vitro protein synthesis system based on E. coli S30 extract and ribosomal protein S1 purification.
Training lasted 7 months.

General Scientific Interest:
IMPORTANT *: Please describe your general research interests. (200 words maximum):

In one of my classes, Molecular Biology of the Cell, which was taught by Professor Marco Scocchi, I had the chance to know a little better the world of bacterial pathogens. Since I enjoyed it, I did a training period at the Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine in Leipzig where I joined Professor Ralf Hoffmann’s research group which studies proline-rich antimicrobial peptides. As they do not act in a lytic-manner, it was really interesting investigating their mechanism of action and trying to identify their intracellular targets. I am very interested in Microbiology, especially in bacterial pathogens. My research interests range from biology and immunology of infectious disease to the development of novel ways to combat infectious agents. I would like to be involved in understanding the mechanism of pathogenesis and toxin action, immune evasion strategies, the targets and mechanisms of host immunity, parasite and host genetics, and in the development of vaccines and drugs.

Research Focus:
IMPORTANT *: Please have a look at the focal areas and core programs described on the Biozentrum website, select 1 or 2 of them, and elaborate on what you find interesting about the specific research group or topic (200 words maximum):

Honestly, all the topics of Infection Biology are very interesting. Each research group addresses different but interconnected aspects of the host-pathogen interaction. I would like to be involved in a project where my previous experience could be useful. However, I am at the beginning of my academic career so I am open to acquire skills and knowledge in fields I am not familiar with. If I have to choose, Christoph Dehio’s research group is my first choice. To me “bacterial secretion system” is the most fascinating side of bacterial virulence. I appreciated these extraordinary devices thanks to Professor Marco Scocchi. Beside the aim to gain a detailed understanding of the function of type IV secretion (T4S), which is very stimulating itself, Christoph Dehio’s projects would allow me to use a wide range of disciplinary research approaches. It would be an honor to join his research group.