Dean of Postgraduate Research
Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Extension: 7285
Email:
lucy.johnston@canterbury.ac.nz
Summer Research Scholarship Scheme
2014-2015
Project Application Form
Please complete and submit the application form as a WORD document and send to
summerscholarships@canterbury.ac.nz
The Project
Title of Project (max 30 words):
ATP-phosphoribosyl transferase: a potential target of new anti-tuberculosis therapies?
Project Leader(s):
Emily Parker
Host Department/Organization:
Biomolecular Interaction Centre/Chemistry Department
Other persons involved in this topic/activity:
(List other significant members involved along with their affiliation to the research project.)
Name
Affiliation to project
Emily Parker
Gerd Mittlestaedt
Gert-Jan Moggré
Project Leader
PhD Student
PhD Student
Brief outline of project
Describe the proposed research project – maximum of 400 words (box will expand as you type).
Note that this information will be published on the web in order to attract student applicants and therefore be
mindful of any Intellectual Property issues
ATP phosphoribosyl transferase catalyses the first committed step of histidine biosynthesis.
Histidine biosynthesis is essential for mycobacteria and this pathway has been proposed as a
potential target for the development of novel antituberculosis therapeutics.
In this project we will be examining the properties of ATP phosphoribosyl transferase from
Mycobacterium tuberculosis and probing the potential to target this enzyme for novel antitubercular
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drug design based on a detailed understanding of the reaction mechanism of this critical
biosynthetic enzyme.
If the student be required to work outside of normal university hours (8am-5pm) please provide details
Benefits student will gain from involvement in the project
Describe the research experience and skills that the student will acquire through involvement in this research project –
maximum of 100 words.
This project requires a combination of research using both protein biochemistry. Not only will the student gain
valuable insight into the day-to-day workings of a research laboratory but will also learn the important skills of
project planning and problem solving. All of the skills obtained by the student involved in this project will be
directly transferable to a postgraduate research degree in Biochemistry or Chemistry.
Specific student requirements
Please provide details of all requirements you have for the student to work on this project – for example, if specific
courses/experience are necessary.
Biochemistry or Chemistry
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