Project Code
IIAR27Br Spencer
Project Type
Wet lab
Research Theme
Infection, Immunity, and Antimicrobial Resistance
Project Summary Download
Summary
Melioidosis, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a severe, frequently fatal, tropical disease. Beta-lactam antibiotics are cornerstones of melioidosis treatment, but are variably effective in resolving B. pseudomallei infections. New, more effective treatments are needed for this under-studied disease. Beta-lactams target transpeptidase enzymes, primarily penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), that catalyse cross-linking of the bacterial cell wall; B. pseudomallei transpeptidases are however little studied. This project combines structural, biochemical, computational and microbiological approaches to investigate B. pseudomallei transpeptidases, aiming to establish their reactivity towards different beta-lactams in vitro, and subsequently whether combining beta-lactams represents a route to more effective melioidosis treatments.
Can the project be completed part time?
Yes
Lead Supervisor
Professor James Spencer
Lead Supervisor Email
University Affiliation
University of Bristol
