Bacterial Proteomics: From Cell Division to Novel Antibiotic Targets. When a cell divides it is essential that each newborn cell gets a complete copy of the DNA. To ensure that this happens, cell division must be tightly controlled. It is not known how this occurs in bacteria. However, if we knew what molecules were involved in this control, we could target them to kill harmful bacteria. This project aims to identify such regulatory molecules as candidate targets for antimicrobial agents, with a ....Bacterial Proteomics: From Cell Division to Novel Antibiotic Targets. When a cell divides it is essential that each newborn cell gets a complete copy of the DNA. To ensure that this happens, cell division must be tightly controlled. It is not known how this occurs in bacteria. However, if we knew what molecules were involved in this control, we could target them to kill harmful bacteria. This project aims to identify such regulatory molecules as candidate targets for antimicrobial agents, with a view to developing powerful, novel antibiotics to protect us from the imminent threat of bioterrorism and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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Red Cell Polymorphisms and Malaria. Certain red blood cell disorders have been associated with innate protection against malaria infection. However many early studies were inconclusive. We intend to carry out a comprehensive study to investigate the effect of red blood cell differences on the invasion and/or growth of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro using improved techniques. Identification of red cell components involved in interaction with P.falciparum would give a better understanding of host ....Red Cell Polymorphisms and Malaria. Certain red blood cell disorders have been associated with innate protection against malaria infection. However many early studies were inconclusive. We intend to carry out a comprehensive study to investigate the effect of red blood cell differences on the invasion and/or growth of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro using improved techniques. Identification of red cell components involved in interaction with P.falciparum would give a better understanding of host parasite interactions which may in turn suggest novel approaches or pathways to persue. This may eventually lead to the development of novel therapeutics.
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Biological probes for understanding mammalian cellular transport mechanisms. Cellular components are moved around within cells by molecular motors. This fundamental transport mechanism depends on a network of tracks. Blocks in this cellular transport can result in a number of mammalian diseases, particularly within nerve cells. This project will increase our understanding of the mechanisms of cellular transport and, in particular, how molecular motors engage their cargo. This is essential ground ....Biological probes for understanding mammalian cellular transport mechanisms. Cellular components are moved around within cells by molecular motors. This fundamental transport mechanism depends on a network of tracks. Blocks in this cellular transport can result in a number of mammalian diseases, particularly within nerve cells. This project will increase our understanding of the mechanisms of cellular transport and, in particular, how molecular motors engage their cargo. This is essential groundwork for the development of drugs that target this transport mechanism.Read moreRead less
Functional proteomics of Giardia. This project will use the latest tools for dissecting and comparing genes and their protein products from one of the most common parasites infecting people, their pets, livestock and wildlife. This protozoan parasite Giardia is also of evolutionary and biological significance in terms of understanding the origin of higher animals from bacteria as well as fundamental questions about the parasitic way of life. Giardia proteins will be identified and characterised ....Functional proteomics of Giardia. This project will use the latest tools for dissecting and comparing genes and their protein products from one of the most common parasites infecting people, their pets, livestock and wildlife. This protozoan parasite Giardia is also of evolutionary and biological significance in terms of understanding the origin of higher animals from bacteria as well as fundamental questions about the parasitic way of life. Giardia proteins will be identified and characterised on the basis of their value in understanding disease processes and treatment, and by working with appropriate industry partners, proteins of commercial value will be exploited.Read moreRead less