Mapping nutrient uptake and processing in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Warwick
Department Name: School of Life Sciences
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB) and is a global killer, in 2015 it infected an estimated 10.4 million people and killed an estimated 1.8 million people. New drugs and therapeutic strategies are urgently required to combat the global increase in drug-resistant strains of Mtb.
Mtb has evolved strategies to evade the host immune system and is able to survive within the macrophage environments for decades without causing disease. However, the nutrients that Mtb uses and metabolises are poorly understood. In this project, we will utilise an exciting multi-disciplinary approach to determine the biosynthetic pathways involved in nutrient uptake and metabolism in the Mtb pathogen. These studies will provide new insights into the molecular basis of nutrient recognition and biochemical pathways involved in the Mtb pathogen and have a direct impact on the development of new strategies to combat this global disease.
Mtb has evolved strategies to evade the host immune system and is able to survive within the macrophage environments for decades without causing disease. However, the nutrients that Mtb uses and metabolises are poorly understood. In this project, we will utilise an exciting multi-disciplinary approach to determine the biosynthetic pathways involved in nutrient uptake and metabolism in the Mtb pathogen. These studies will provide new insights into the molecular basis of nutrient recognition and biochemical pathways involved in the Mtb pathogen and have a direct impact on the development of new strategies to combat this global disease.
Organisations
Publications
Furze CM
(2021)
Structural basis of trehalose recognition by the mycobacterial LpqY-SugABC transporter.
in The Journal of biological chemistry
Parker HL
(2020)
Asymmetric trehalose analogues to probe disaccharide processing pathways in mycobacteria.
in Organic & biomolecular chemistry
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M01116X/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1786898 | Studentship | BB/M01116X/1 | 03/10/2016 | 31/03/2021 | Hadyn Parker |
| Description | I have created several new sugar molecules which do not exist in nature. By studying how theses new sugar molecules behave in mycobacteria and comparing it to the natural version of the sugar molecule, I can better understand exactly how mycobacteria take in and utilise sugar for growth. Understanding this pathway of sugar uptake and utilisation is vital in designing better drugs to treat infections or to develop rapid diagnostic tools. The new sugars I created are (like the natural version) still taken into the cell by the normal transporter protein and can be used to make parts of the mycobacterium cell envelope which surrounds the bacteria. However, the new sugars cannot be broken down or utilised as an energy source. |
| Exploitation Route | The novel sugar molecules have the potential to be used as new drugs or as a rapid diagnostic tool. |
| Sectors | Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| URL | https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2020/ob/d0ob00253d#!divAbstract |
| Description | General Travel Grant Mycobacterial heterogeneity and host tissue tropism symposium 2020, New Delhi, India |
| Amount | £390 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biochemical Society |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2020 |
| End | 02/2020 |
| Description | Travel Grant Mycobacterial heterogeneity and host tissue tropism symposium 2020, New Delhi, India |
| Amount | £390 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | GA001829 |
| Organisation | Microbiology Society |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2020 |
| End | 02/2020 |
| Description | Medical and Life Sciences Research Fund Reception |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Supporters |
| Results and Impact | On 10th December 2019 I presented an overview of the current state of Mycobacterium tuberculosis research with a focus on antimicrobial resistance and drug discovery at Warwick Medical School. This reception was open to members of the Medical and Life Sciences Research Fund and donors from the Clifford Chambers and surrounding areas of Warwickshire. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | University open day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | On 22nd & 23rd June, 6th October, 20th October 2018, 21st & 22nd June and 5th October 2019 I spoke to prospective students and their parents/guardians, throughout the day, on the global impact of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, raising its profile and challenging public assumptions about the disease. I also explained the research we are conducting at Warwick to help fight M. tuberculosis. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019,2020 |
| Description | World TB Day 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The laboratory held an information/demonstration stand for World TB Day. This event was held at the Coventry central library. This led to lots of interesting discussions around TB, the research that we are doing and what we need to do to eradicate this pathogen. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |