Structural Biology of pathogen:host interactions

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

The primary aim of the research group is to investigate the mechanisms of pathogen:host interaction during infection/colonization at the molecular level. We use a range of structural biology techniques to understand the function of specific proteins and how they interact with their environment. Some current priorities include establishing structure/function relationships in ‘effector’ proteins from pathogens important for human/mammalian health and agriculture (e.g. Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Phytophora infestans (the Irish potato famine pathogen)), and mechanisms of pili biogenesis in Group A Streptococcus. Our primary experimental tool is structure determination by X-ray crystallography, but we also complement this with solution-based methods (circular dichroism, isothermal titration calorimetry, surface plasmon resonance, analytical ultracentrifugation, small angle X-ray scattering, spectroscopy) as appropriate. Structural data is frequently used to establish hypotheses which can then be tested, for instance, by site-directed mutagenesis and further study. We collaborate extensively with groups in Norwich, the UK and worldwide to ensure the in vivo relevance of our in vitro data.

We also have an interest in developing/employing new technologies to advance throughput in protein production and structure determination to both streamline our current research projects and enhance the feasibility of establishing new projects in the Laboratory.

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