Chemical Biology to target bacteria: Inhibiting bacterial growth by controlling cell division protein interactions (BEEKMAN_U27DTP)

Antibiotic-resistant pathogens are a huge threat in healthcare and farming. The last resorts of conventional antibiotic drugs are unable to treat multi-resistant strains in patients. New approaches towards antibiotics are desperately needed. To spread and survive, bacteria need to divide. Thus, bacterial cell division has emerged as a promising antibiotic target pathway to combat multi-resistant pathogens.

This project aims to target protein interactions that pathogenic bacteria, like the causative agent of TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis require to spread. Using Mycobacteria smegmatis as a harmless model organisms for M. tuberculosis, the project will design, synthesise and test compounds which specifically prevent the formation of essential protein interaction for cell division.

The appointed student will design, synthesise, and test compounds which specifically prevent essential protein-protein interactions used by pathogens to spread. An innovative platform, developed in the supervisor’s lab, will be used to design peptides that can disrupt the formation of protein complexes that facilitate disease. This interdisciplinary chemical biology and microbiology project will involve training in cutting-edge science including computational design and peptide synthesis, as well as evaluation of the compounds for binding to proteins and their inhibitory activity in bacteria.

Led by Dr Andrew Beekman and Dr Susan Schlimpert, there is an opportunity to learn medicinal chemistry/chemical biology, protein biochemistry, and microbiology, using facilities across the School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology and The John Innes Centre. The student will be based in a highly collaborative research environment with a strong commitment to excellence in science and professional development.

This project will develop a multidisciplinary scientist with expertise from chemical to cell biology. You will have, or expect to obtain a first class, 2(i) or equivalent Honours degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related area.

Informal enquiries are welcomed: Dr Andrew Beekman (a.beekman@uea.ac.uk) or Dr Susan Schlimpert (susan.schlimpert@jic.ac.uk).