Francesca Torelli
@fratorelli.bsky.social
Host-pathogen interactions | CRISPR screens
Interested in persistence mechanisms of parasites and bacteria, previously in the Treeck lab @Crick and IGC, now in the Rohn lab @UCL
Interested in persistence mechanisms of parasites and bacteria, previously in the Treeck lab @Crick and IGC, now in the Rohn lab @UCL
Pinned
Francesca Torelli
@fratorelli.bsky.social
· Apr 16
GRA12 is a common virulence factor across Toxoplasma gondii strains and mouse subspecies - Nature Communications
CRISPR screens reveal Toxoplasma’s GRA12 as a strain- and mouse species-transcendent virulence factor. GRA12 protects parasites from IFNγ-activated macrophage clearance and parasitophorous vacuole col...
www.nature.com
🎉 Finally online 🎉 GRA12, the first identified common virulence factor across Toxoplasma strains and murine subspecies! Check this improved manuscript after reviewers’ helpful suggestions www.nature.com/articles/s41...
What an absolute pleasure to work with Lena and Chahat! The application of our CRISPR screens to their custom splitGFP system allowed the identification of parasite proteins needed to tether host organelles. Host-pathogen interaction at its best! www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Toxoplasma effector TgROP1 establishes membrane contact sites with the endoplasmic reticulum during infection - Nature Microbiology
The Toxoplasma gondii effector TgROP1 mimics host factors to bind VAPA/B, thereby establishing parasite–host ER contact sites.
www.nature.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:49 PM
What an absolute pleasure to work with Lena and Chahat! The application of our CRISPR screens to their custom splitGFP system allowed the identification of parasite proteins needed to tether host organelles. Host-pathogen interaction at its best! www.nature.com/articles/s41...
This sounds like a fantastic opportunity for a PhD candidate in a exciting scientific network!
🎓 Funded #PhD studentships in pathogen biology and parasitology
*Cell and Molecular Biology*; *Host-pathogen interactions*
Part of the EastBio Doctoral Landscape Award
Based in the Edinburgh area of Scotland
PhD 1:
bit.ly/Host-pathoge...
PhD 2:
bit.ly/Parasite-sca...
@uoe-eid.bsky.social
*Cell and Molecular Biology*; *Host-pathogen interactions*
Part of the EastBio Doctoral Landscape Award
Based in the Edinburgh area of Scotland
PhD 1:
bit.ly/Host-pathoge...
PhD 2:
bit.ly/Parasite-sca...
@uoe-eid.bsky.social
EastBio: A host-directed approach to identify novel therapeutic targets of infectious reproductive diseases at Moredun Research Institute on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - EastBio: A host-directed approach to identify novel therapeutic targets of infectious reproductive diseases at Moredun Research Institute, listed on FindAPhD.com
www.findaphd.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:01 PM
This sounds like a fantastic opportunity for a PhD candidate in a exciting scientific network!
A dream coming true: sharing my passion for parasites and CRISPR technology with students @uclmedsci.bsky.social ! Thank you @gpollara.bsky.social for inviting me (and for the shots!) and I want to thank the students for the curious, smart and engaging discussion!
November 19, 2025 at 10:08 PM
A dream coming true: sharing my passion for parasites and CRISPR technology with students @uclmedsci.bsky.social ! Thank you @gpollara.bsky.social for inviting me (and for the shots!) and I want to thank the students for the curious, smart and engaging discussion!
When both your PI and your science buddy @alicebalard.bsky.social share with you the same paper, it’s obvious that your research interest is crystal clear! Phenotypic plasticity ❤️
Bacteria have to adapt rapidly to changes in environment. Can they ‘remember’ those conditions? Another one for my “to read” pile! cc @microberamon.bsky.social @victoriachu.bsky.social @nickyuen.bsky.social @fratorelli.bsky.social #UTISky #MicroSky
#Review
Bacteria can “remember” past environments through genetic & biochemical imprints helping them adapt and thrive! 🦠🧠
#MicroSky
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Bacteria can “remember” past environments through genetic & biochemical imprints helping them adapt and thrive! 🦠🧠
#MicroSky
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
November 19, 2025 at 8:06 PM
When both your PI and your science buddy @alicebalard.bsky.social share with you the same paper, it’s obvious that your research interest is crystal clear! Phenotypic plasticity ❤️
Reposted by Francesca Torelli
London Interdisciplinary #PhD position now open with myself, @robmoon.bsky.social – to study the role of novel genes in #malaria transmission. Apply here👇
mrc-lid.lshtm.ac.uk/2026-27-proj...
mrc-lid.lshtm.ac.uk/2026-27-proj...
2026-27 Project (Delves & Moon) - MRC London Intercollegiate Doctoral Training Partnership Studentships
Preparation for transmission: Dissecting the roles of novel genes required to ensure the infectivity of...
mrc-lid.lshtm.ac.uk
November 17, 2025 at 10:51 AM
London Interdisciplinary #PhD position now open with myself, @robmoon.bsky.social – to study the role of novel genes in #malaria transmission. Apply here👇
mrc-lid.lshtm.ac.uk/2026-27-proj...
mrc-lid.lshtm.ac.uk/2026-27-proj...
Reposted by Francesca Torelli
Save the date‼️
💡 More information coming soon about registration and the scientific program.
#TOXO18 #Toxoplasma #Immunoparasitology #Buzios2026 #ScienceByTheSea
💡 More information coming soon about registration and the scientific program.
#TOXO18 #Toxoplasma #Immunoparasitology #Buzios2026 #ScienceByTheSea
October 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Save the date‼️
💡 More information coming soon about registration and the scientific program.
#TOXO18 #Toxoplasma #Immunoparasitology #Buzios2026 #ScienceByTheSea
💡 More information coming soon about registration and the scientific program.
#TOXO18 #Toxoplasma #Immunoparasitology #Buzios2026 #ScienceByTheSea
Reposted by Francesca Torelli
Looking for a #PhD project in #malaria research? The Portugal Lab @mpiib-berlin.mpg.de offers a fully funded project in #Berlin: #Plasmodium falciparum cytoadhesion in seasonal malaria transmission areas.
Apply by Dec 10 👉 www.mpiib-berlin.mpg.de/1947490/rese...
Apply by Dec 10 👉 www.mpiib-berlin.mpg.de/1947490/rese...
November 13, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Looking for a #PhD project in #malaria research? The Portugal Lab @mpiib-berlin.mpg.de offers a fully funded project in #Berlin: #Plasmodium falciparum cytoadhesion in seasonal malaria transmission areas.
Apply by Dec 10 👉 www.mpiib-berlin.mpg.de/1947490/rese...
Apply by Dec 10 👉 www.mpiib-berlin.mpg.de/1947490/rese...
This week I had the pleasure to tutor undergrad students in the wonderful wet lab of Cruciform building @ucl.ac.uk in what it was the former children ward of the hospital: beautiful mosaics of tales at the walls overlooking the main quad. My favourite was little red riding hood!
November 7, 2025 at 9:12 AM
This week I had the pleasure to tutor undergrad students in the wonderful wet lab of Cruciform building @ucl.ac.uk in what it was the former children ward of the hospital: beautiful mosaics of tales at the walls overlooking the main quad. My favourite was little red riding hood!
Reposted by Francesca Torelli
UCL200 to launch with a spectacular sound and light experience! 💫
We can’t wait to welcome students, staff, alumni and our wider community and launching a year of celebrations for our 200th birthday!
📅11-13 February 2026.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/439g5Kk
We can’t wait to welcome students, staff, alumni and our wider community and launching a year of celebrations for our 200th birthday!
📅11-13 February 2026.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/439g5Kk
UCL200 to launch with a spectacular sound and light experience: Save the date to celebrate together!
The countdown has officially begun! Save the date for UCL Illuminated – a spectacular sound and light experience that will kick off our bicentennial celebrations from 11-13 February 2026.
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 9:29 PM
UCL200 to launch with a spectacular sound and light experience! 💫
We can’t wait to welcome students, staff, alumni and our wider community and launching a year of celebrations for our 200th birthday!
📅11-13 February 2026.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/439g5Kk
We can’t wait to welcome students, staff, alumni and our wider community and launching a year of celebrations for our 200th birthday!
📅11-13 February 2026.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/439g5Kk
Reposted by Francesca Torelli
We’re pleased to announce our Trained Immunity Focus Issue 🎉
With original research and reviews spanning history, current state and future directions of trained immunity, explore today:
buff.ly/OoqVRjM
With original research and reviews spanning history, current state and future directions of trained immunity, explore today:
buff.ly/OoqVRjM
November 5, 2025 at 3:12 PM
We’re pleased to announce our Trained Immunity Focus Issue 🎉
With original research and reviews spanning history, current state and future directions of trained immunity, explore today:
buff.ly/OoqVRjM
With original research and reviews spanning history, current state and future directions of trained immunity, explore today:
buff.ly/OoqVRjM
Reposted by Francesca Torelli
📢 We're searching for a PhD-level Senior Research Scientist to develop a next-generation antibacterial drug discovery strategy for Gram-negative infections.
If you're looking to combine CRISPRi and high-throughput assays, reach out to me by email or apply below.
www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/43...
If you're looking to combine CRISPRi and high-throughput assays, reach out to me by email or apply below.
www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/43...
The Francis Crick Institute hiring Senior Laboratory Research Scientist in London Area, United Kingdom | LinkedIn
Posted 2:43:22 PM. Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Johnson LabDetails of the role:Reports to: Eachan Johnson…See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn.
www.linkedin.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:25 PM
📢 We're searching for a PhD-level Senior Research Scientist to develop a next-generation antibacterial drug discovery strategy for Gram-negative infections.
If you're looking to combine CRISPRi and high-throughput assays, reach out to me by email or apply below.
www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/43...
If you're looking to combine CRISPRi and high-throughput assays, reach out to me by email or apply below.
www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/43...
So fascinating! The evolution of London underground mosquitoes! I loved that in a parallel work they had specimens from the tube in the 1940ies!
How does life evolve to adapt to modern cities?
Out now in Science, my PhD work with @lindymcbr.bsky.social uncovers the ancient origin of the “London Underground mosquito” – one of the most iconic examples of urban adaptation.
🧵(1/n)
@science.org
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ady4515
Out now in Science, my PhD work with @lindymcbr.bsky.social uncovers the ancient origin of the “London Underground mosquito” – one of the most iconic examples of urban adaptation.
🧵(1/n)
@science.org
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ady4515
Ancient origin of an urban underground mosquito
Understanding how life is adapting to urban environments represents an important challenge in evolutionary biology. In this work, we investigate a widely cited example of urban adaptation, Culex pipie...
www.science.org
October 29, 2025 at 8:16 AM
So fascinating! The evolution of London underground mosquitoes! I loved that in a parallel work they had specimens from the tube in the 1940ies!
Wonderful chance!! Especially for those great plasmodium and mosquito labs in the heart of the Charité campus in Berlin!
📣 Open call for life science #interns
Our International Summer #Internship 2026 is now open for applications. Three-months fully funded internships at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology.
👉 Information on the internship projects and how to apply: www.mpiib-berlin.mpg.de/mpiib-isi
Our International Summer #Internship 2026 is now open for applications. Three-months fully funded internships at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology.
👉 Information on the internship projects and how to apply: www.mpiib-berlin.mpg.de/mpiib-isi
October 23, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Wonderful chance!! Especially for those great plasmodium and mosquito labs in the heart of the Charité campus in Berlin!
Reposted by Francesca Torelli
1925: On this date, 100 years ago, The Company of Biologists is founded by George Parker Bidder III. Throughout today, we will be posting some of our key milestones. Read more about the past 100 years at bit.ly/3WnTVA1.
October 15, 2025 at 8:04 AM
1925: On this date, 100 years ago, The Company of Biologists is founded by George Parker Bidder III. Throughout today, we will be posting some of our key milestones. Read more about the past 100 years at bit.ly/3WnTVA1.
The incredibly fascinating biology of the flagellar pocket, the topic that made me fall in love with parasites! Great use of U-ExM
The flagellar pocket collar (FPC) is a cytoskeletal structure essential for nutrient uptake & immune evasion in #Trypanosome. @mbonhivers.bsky.social &co use U-ExM to provide novel insights into FPC biogenesis, and reveal 2 unknown cytoskeletal structures @plosbiology.org 🧪 plos.io/4n3bWi6
October 11, 2025 at 9:42 AM
The incredibly fascinating biology of the flagellar pocket, the topic that made me fall in love with parasites! Great use of U-ExM
Reposted by Francesca Torelli
We're now recruiting early career group leaders at the Crick to lead ambitious research programmes and explore bold scientific questions.
Hear our Director, Edith Heard, explain why the Crick is a unique place for curiosity-driven research.
Apply now ➡️ www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
Hear our Director, Edith Heard, explain why the Crick is a unique place for curiosity-driven research.
Apply now ➡️ www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
October 9, 2025 at 2:06 PM
We're now recruiting early career group leaders at the Crick to lead ambitious research programmes and explore bold scientific questions.
Hear our Director, Edith Heard, explain why the Crick is a unique place for curiosity-driven research.
Apply now ➡️ www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
Hear our Director, Edith Heard, explain why the Crick is a unique place for curiosity-driven research.
Apply now ➡️ www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
Reposted by Francesca Torelli
UChicago Microbiology is searching for tenured or tenure-track faculty working in host-pathogens interactions, viral and bacterial pathogenesis, and emerging infectious diseases. Come join our vibrant Department! microbiology.uchicago.edu
Apply here apply.interfolio.com/174404
Apply here apply.interfolio.com/174404
Department of Microbiology | The University of Chicago
microbiology.uchicago.edu
October 6, 2025 at 5:32 PM
UChicago Microbiology is searching for tenured or tenure-track faculty working in host-pathogens interactions, viral and bacterial pathogenesis, and emerging infectious diseases. Come join our vibrant Department! microbiology.uchicago.edu
Apply here apply.interfolio.com/174404
Apply here apply.interfolio.com/174404
Just watched this very gripping documentary on the Pasteur&Koch work and rivalry, exciting for both me and my non-scientists parents! Their contribution to the fight of infectious diseases is incredible! Bringing sweet memories of my time at the RKI and Pasteur youtube.com/watch?v=Zbni...
Pasteur & Koch : A Thriving Rivalry | SLICE SCIENCE | FULL DOCUMENTARY
YouTube video by SLICE Science
youtube.com
October 5, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Just watched this very gripping documentary on the Pasteur&Koch work and rivalry, exciting for both me and my non-scientists parents! Their contribution to the fight of infectious diseases is incredible! Bringing sweet memories of my time at the RKI and Pasteur youtube.com/watch?v=Zbni...
Reposted by Francesca Torelli
We are looking for researchers from across the UK to deliver innovative public engagement projects working in partnership with a gallery, archive, library or museum (GLAM organisation).
Up to £8,000. Deadline 15 October.
Up to £8,000. Deadline 15 October.
Following our successful pilot scheme, SHAPE Involve and Engage programme has returned. If you are a UK-based researcher in the humanities and social sciences and would like to apply, you can find out more here: https://bit.ly/47XA41y
September 16, 2025 at 11:45 AM
We are looking for researchers from across the UK to deliver innovative public engagement projects working in partnership with a gallery, archive, library or museum (GLAM organisation).
Up to £8,000. Deadline 15 October.
Up to £8,000. Deadline 15 October.
Two days with the Treeck lab in one the most special places in my heart @moritztreeck.bsky.social
September 5, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Two days with the Treeck lab in one the most special places in my heart @moritztreeck.bsky.social
Fascinating bug and great department!
🚨 Job alert 🚨
I’m recruiting two postdoctoral research associates to join my lab at KCL to study how #Klebsiella pneumoniae regulates virulence factor expression during infection! #klebclub
Mol Micro: tinyurl.com/mtrwtx5e
Infection: tinyurl.com/2s3u8ca2
Deadline: 21st September.
I’m recruiting two postdoctoral research associates to join my lab at KCL to study how #Klebsiella pneumoniae regulates virulence factor expression during infection! #klebclub
Mol Micro: tinyurl.com/mtrwtx5e
Infection: tinyurl.com/2s3u8ca2
Deadline: 21st September.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Microbiology
www.kcl.ac.uk
August 26, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Fascinating bug and great department!
When your bacteria delivery gets extra cute ❤️ @victoriachu.bsky.social
July 31, 2025 at 9:26 AM
When your bacteria delivery gets extra cute ❤️ @victoriachu.bsky.social
A unique chance!
Come and be my boss! Head of Department of Infectious Disease @imperialinfect.bsky.social @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social
www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/search-...
www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/search-...
Description
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities ment...
www.imperial.ac.uk
July 30, 2025 at 12:02 PM
A unique chance!
Fascinating! Does this add a layer of interpretation to other cardiolipin-hijacking’s pathogens like Toxoplasma?
🚨It’s out @embojournal.org 🚨
Cardiolipin inhibits Caspase-4/11!
Huge thanks to my brilliant supervisors Kate & Pablo, to @s-burgener.bsky.social & Mercedes and all the @inflammasomelab.bsky.social, it was a joy working and laughing with you, and to @brozlab.bsky.social & Si Ming lab.
Cardiolipin inhibits Caspase-4/11!
Huge thanks to my brilliant supervisors Kate & Pablo, to @s-burgener.bsky.social & Mercedes and all the @inflammasomelab.bsky.social, it was a joy working and laughing with you, and to @brozlab.bsky.social & Si Ming lab.
July 25, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Fascinating! Does this add a layer of interpretation to other cardiolipin-hijacking’s pathogens like Toxoplasma?
Excited the editor acknowledged this outstanding research:not only a crucial step forward in fighting a neglected disease, but also an impeccably executed host CRISPR screen of relevance for whoever interested in host-pathogen interaction!Congrats @ghostpathogen.bsky.social @saterialelab.bsky.social
Our paper has finally graduated from pre-print to peer-reviewed, pretty much unscathed, and is out now! www.cell.com/cell/fulltex...
The essential host genome for Cryptosporidium survival exposes metabolic dependencies that can be leveraged for treatment
An arrayed microscopy-based CRISPR screen revealed host genes affecting multiple infection
phenotypes of the intracellular parasite Cryptosporidium. Hits in the host cholesterol
biosynthesis pathway a...
www.cell.com
July 25, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Excited the editor acknowledged this outstanding research:not only a crucial step forward in fighting a neglected disease, but also an impeccably executed host CRISPR screen of relevance for whoever interested in host-pathogen interaction!Congrats @ghostpathogen.bsky.social @saterialelab.bsky.social