New antimicrobials to target gut pathogens
Lead Research Organisation:
University of East Anglia
Department Name: Graduate Office
Abstract
There is an increasing need to discover new antimicrobials to combat the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Lantibiotics are small antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria and can kill important pathogens. Interest in using lantibiotics is growing, but targeting pathogens in the complex conditions of the gut is a challenge. The best place to find suitable antimicrobials may be from the gut bacteria themselves.
In the gut microbiota, natural lantibiotic production may help to keep a balance between species, maintaining a healthy diversity. As well as killing target bacteria, lantibiotics may be involved in quorum sensing, acting as signals to communicate within and between species.
We have recently isolated a novel lantibiotic, nisin O, produced by a gut bacterium. It shows activity against food poisoning and gut pathogens. We want to understand how lantibiotic biosynthesis and immunity is regulated and how to improve production. The project will also investigate whether nisin O can act as a signalling molecule in the gut environment. Lastly we will investigate what effect it has on the gut microbiota and specific pathogens, using state of the art in vitro fermentation colon models and advanced metagenomic and metabolomic techniques.
This project will give training in a wide range of techniques from microbiology and molecular biology to peptide analysis and in vitro fermentation. The student will join a dynamic multinational group focussing on understanding and manipulating the gut microbiota, and will have the opportunity to work in the rapidly expanding fields of antimicrobial discovery and bacterial interactions.
In the gut microbiota, natural lantibiotic production may help to keep a balance between species, maintaining a healthy diversity. As well as killing target bacteria, lantibiotics may be involved in quorum sensing, acting as signals to communicate within and between species.
We have recently isolated a novel lantibiotic, nisin O, produced by a gut bacterium. It shows activity against food poisoning and gut pathogens. We want to understand how lantibiotic biosynthesis and immunity is regulated and how to improve production. The project will also investigate whether nisin O can act as a signalling molecule in the gut environment. Lastly we will investigate what effect it has on the gut microbiota and specific pathogens, using state of the art in vitro fermentation colon models and advanced metagenomic and metabolomic techniques.
This project will give training in a wide range of techniques from microbiology and molecular biology to peptide analysis and in vitro fermentation. The student will join a dynamic multinational group focussing on understanding and manipulating the gut microbiota, and will have the opportunity to work in the rapidly expanding fields of antimicrobial discovery and bacterial interactions.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Arjan Narbad (Primary Supervisor) | |
Jacob Scadden (Student) |
Publications
Li T
(2021)
An optimised protocol for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in stool.
in BMC microbiology
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BB/M011216/1 | 30/09/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
2116844 | Studentship | BB/M011216/1 | 30/09/2018 | 29/09/2022 | Jacob Scadden |
Description | Norwich Science Festival Volunteer |
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 | Volunteered at the Norwich Science Festival discussing bacterial evolution with members of the general public |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Panel Member of NBI Africa Initiative Launch |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Participated as a panel member of the "NBI Africa Initiative Launch - Biosciences and Innovation: promoting research excellence in Africa" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Video promotion for Scicling |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Made a short video about my work for Scicling for use on tours around secondary schools promoting science throughout Europe |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Virtual School Visit (Reading) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 15 sixth form pupils attended a talk about life in research and choices through university. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |