The University of Sheffield
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health
Department of Infection and Immunity
Probing the mechanism of bacterial toxin-secreting machines and identification of their
substrates
Supervisors: Mark Thomas and Jon Shaw
Project:
Many bacterial virulence determinants are secreted proteins (so-called 'effectors' or
toxins) that benefit the pathogen by allowing it to subvert or damage the host, or
to gain nutrients from the host. In Gram-negative bacteria, secreted proteins are
translocated across two membranes by one of at least nine different secretion
systems. Therefore, protein secretion systems are essential for the virulence of
pathogenic bacteria. A recently discovered bacterial protein secretion machine
known as the type VI secretion system (T6SS) plays an important role in the
virulence of a variety of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, in some
cases the T6SS also targets other bacteria and therefore plays important role in
interbacterial competition. Our work is aimed at building a picture of how the T6SS
is organised and elucidating its mechanism of action. In addition, we are also
interested in characterising the effectors or toxins that are secreted by this system.
For this reason, a variety of projects is available within this theme. Experimental
approaches will include a broad range of molecular genetic and biochemical
techniques, including DNA cloning, directed mutagenesis, mutant generation,
protein overproduction and purification, protein-protein interaction studies,
proteomics, protein structure determination.
Entry Requirements:
Candidates must have a first or upper second class honors degree or significant
research experience.
Enquiries:
Interested
candidates
should
(m.s.thomas@sheffield.ac.uk).
How to apply:
in
the
first
instance
contact
Mark
Thomas
Please complete a University Postgraduate Research Application form and attach at
least two references to your application. To complete the application form please
visit: www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply.
Please clearly state the prospective main supervisor in the respective box and select
‘Infection & Immunity’ as the department.
'The Medical School has received a Silver Athena SWAN award
for promoting gender equality’
Website: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/faculty/medicine-dentistryhealth/graduateschool/prospectivepg/vacancies/ii
Closing date: 3rd February 2014