Graduate Studies in Advanced Microbial Molecular and Cell Biology 
in the Health Sciences Center, The Ohio State University

 Index for this page: 
     Graduate Study Areas
     Admission Requirements
     More Information

Research at Dr. Rikihisa's laboratory:

Understanding the molecular pathogenic mechanisms of ehrlichioses, vector-borne emerging infectious diseases of man and animals. Ehrlichiae are unique bacteria (obligatory intracellular bacteria) which infect leukocytes like HIV virus. These bacteria are found in nature in various species of vertebrates and invertebrates. When ehrlichiae are transmitted to humans or domestic animals by the tick bite or by ingestion of trematodes harboring ehrlichiae, they may develop a severe and sometimes fatal febrile disease called ehrlichiosis. The program offers a unique opportunity to go "from genomes to animal models " and "from field to molecular works: to analyze genomes of 3 divergent human ehrlichiosis agents; to investigate suspected bacterial virulence factors and signaling mechanisms in vitro, to analyze molecular mechanisms of ehrlichial transmission from vectors to mammals, and test putative mechanisms in cultured cells and in relevant animal models.

Examples of current research projects include:

1. Bioinformatics on 3 Human Ehrlichiosis Agent Genomes:1) Determination of the complete nucleotide sequence of the 3 divergent Ehrlichia spp, and annotation; 2) Comparison of the genomes of 3 Ehrlichia spp. and DNA microarray analysis of genes expressed under different environments.
2. Elucidation of Signal Transduction Pathways for Survival of Ehrlichiae in Leukocytes: The objective of this project is to find mechanisms whereby obligate intracellular ehrlichiae can survive in the host cells by inhibiting superoxide generation, lyososomal fusion, and leukocyte's activation and apoptosis, and by competitively acquiring iron.
3. Roles of Ehrlichial Outer Membrane Proteins in Parasitism: The objective of this project is to clone major outer membrane proteins of 3 human ehrlichiosis agent, and their host cell receptors, and examine the protective effects of the ehrlichial adhesins (peptides) or antibodies to adhesins in a cell culture and an animal model of human ehrlichiosis.
4. Differential Surface Antigen Gene Expression by Human Ehrlichiosis Agent: The objectives of this project are 1) to examine the degree, pattern, and variation of the surface antigen genes expressed by ehrlichiae in culture, invertebrate vector, reservoir animals, and patients, 2) to elucidate molecular mechanisms by which these gene expression is regulated and 3) to analyze how differential gene expression influences the transmission.
5. Isolation and Characterization of Ehrlichiae from Trematodes (Flukes). The goal of this project is to elucidate the entire cycle of transmission and maintenance of Ehrlichia spp. which are transmitted by trematodes in nature. Ehrlichial organisms will be detected by PCR and culture isolated from trematodes in definitive and intermediate hosts (snails, birds, aquatic insects, horses, bats, humans etc.,) collected in the endemic areas. Molecular mechanisms of transmission and molecular diversity and virulency of trematode-borne Ehrlichia spp. in nature will be examined.

Graduate Course Work Requirement:
Flexible. Although the graduate program is called Veterinary Biosciences, graduate students do NOT require any veterinary courses or experiences. Students can choose any courses offered throughout the Ohio State University campus including Medical School, Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, etc. upon discussion with the student's advisor.

Graduate Degree Ph.D., Field of Specialty:
Flexible. Depending on student's area of research student can specialize in molecular microbiology, molecular cell biology, medical microbiology, or any other areas.

Requirements:
B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or a related field. Experience in cloning and expression of bacterial genes, experience in RNA detection and manipulation, and experiences in commonly utilized
molecular genetic methods are preferable. Experiences in utilizing several computer programs for molecular analysis is desirable. Of highest importance is motivation, love for experiments, and diligence. Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. Satisfactory GRE and TOEFL scores are required.

When to apply:
Flexible. Students can start Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall Quarter.

Financial Support:
Students will be offered a stipend and tuition remission in the form of graduate assistantships or graduate fellowships.

For more information, please refer to the Ohio State University, Graduate Admissions Office for instructions and forms.

To inquire, send a letter of intent and curriculum vitae to:

    Yasuko Rikihisa, Ph.D.
    Professor of Microbiology,
    Dept. of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine
    The Ohio State University, Health Science Center
    Columbus, OH 43210, U.S.A.
    614-292-5661 (phone)
    614-292-6473 (fax)
    Email: Rikihisa.1@osu.edu