Investigation of the anti-biofilm activities of inhibitors of the LasB protease and their application in the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infec
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Department Name: Centre for Biological Sciences
Abstract
Investigation of the anti-biofilm activities of inhibitors of the LasB protease and their application in the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in cystic fibrosis patients:
This PhD project will focus on an important effector of virulence and disease pathology in PA: the LasB elastase. The mature LasB protein is a 33 kDa metallo-protease and is the most significant of several PA toxins which degrade host immune proteins and cause tissue damage. In addition to its's toxicity, several studies have also identified the importance of LasB in biofilm production, swarming motility and antibiotic tolerance in PA. Therefore, novel therapies targeted towards LasB could potentially decrease both the disease severity of the infection, as well as biofilm formation and persistence in the face of immune and antibiotic pressure. The overall aim of this PhD will be to test the hypothesis that LasB inhibitors can reduce biofilm formation and virulence in CF sputum.
This PhD project will focus on an important effector of virulence and disease pathology in PA: the LasB elastase. The mature LasB protein is a 33 kDa metallo-protease and is the most significant of several PA toxins which degrade host immune proteins and cause tissue damage. In addition to its's toxicity, several studies have also identified the importance of LasB in biofilm production, swarming motility and antibiotic tolerance in PA. Therefore, novel therapies targeted towards LasB could potentially decrease both the disease severity of the infection, as well as biofilm formation and persistence in the face of immune and antibiotic pressure. The overall aim of this PhD will be to test the hypothesis that LasB inhibitors can reduce biofilm formation and virulence in CF sputum.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Jeremy Webb (Primary Supervisor) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR/P016588/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1941684 | Studentship | MR/P016588/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2021 |
| Description | Interview for the BBSRC Research Showcase |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Representing the biofilm focused nature of my research on behalf of the National Biofilm Innovation Centre for the BBSRC Impact showcase in collaboration with UKRI. This video and a short article and transcript were featured on the BBSRC website. The media impact piece was designed for a lay audience with the aim of communicating the research conducted within the National Biofilm Innovation Centre, including my own to the general public and other interested individuals. This impact showcase should have a reach of thousands of individuals that access the site including national and international visitors to the site. The BBSRC reports excellent engagement with their showcase. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY5ZGQ-3qNk |
| Description | Poster presentation at an internationally recognised conference organised by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Eurobiofilms 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Attendance at an internationally recognised conference to share the research outcomes with both academics and students from a broad range of disciplines and backgrounds all with a joint interest in biofilm research. The total conference attendance was approximately 400 people including scientists, clinicians and a variety of students. The poster presentation sparked a series of questions and achieved a special mention in the poster prize group. The questions raised with the data presented sparked debate and insightful comments which both benefited the research and the wider scientific community as the phenomenon displayed had not been previously reported. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.eurobiofilms2019.com/ |
| Description | Research in Focus: A New Weapon Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Interview for a blog post for the National Biofilm Innovation Centre as part of their #Biofilmweek research in focus series. This activity involved the generation of a transcript and video interview for the centre in addition to describing the research I am conducting and how this will benefit the greater public. This interview was conducted with the intention of reaching a lay audience and the website also features some scanning electron microscope images generated during this project. NBIC has reported increased reach to a wider range of audiences as a result of their #Biofilmweek research in focus showcase. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.biofilms.ac.uk/pseudomonas-aeruginosa-a-new-weapon/ |