Project Title
Transcriptome-based investigation of Zingiberaceous essential oils against Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba castellanii - A comprehensive mechanistic approach.

Research Project
Transcriptome-based investigation of Zingiberaceous essential oils against Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba castellanii - A comprehensive mechanistic approach.

Project Description
Free-living amoebas, such as Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba castellanii, pose significant health threats, causing conditions like Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. Unfortunately, there is no single effective drug, resulting in a high fatality rate. Current drug treatments lack efficacy due to challenges like limited blood-brain barrier penetration, ineffectiveness against cyst stages, and infection recurrence. Essential Oils (EOs) from Zingiberaceae plants, known for their anti-parasitic, antiprotozoal, and anticancer properties, emerge as a promising avenue for developing effective therapies againstthese formidable amoebic infections. With low cytotoxicity, these EOs hold promise as natural additives in health products and antiamoebic drugs. In search for new therapeutics and understanding the mode of action of poorly understood organisms, we will test the potential of Zingiberaceae EO’s of common ginger and its two varieties, red ginger and Bentong ginger against N.
fowleri and A. castellanii for the first time. These findings suggest the potential of these EOs as innovative therapeutic agents against amoebic infections. 

Vacancy For
Graduate Research Assistant

Number of Vacancies
1

Duration
2 years

Requirements
1. Completed a Bachelor's degree in the relevant and related field with a minimum CGPA of 3.5
2. Keen interest in amoeba research, particularly in cell culture and downstream analysis. 
3. Ability to collaborate with researchers from other universities
4. Full-time enrollment into a Master's programme in the School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University. (Tuition Fee Waiver provided)

To apply, please write to:
Dr. Kavitha Rajendran
Email: [email protected]