Controlling toxin production in enteric bacteria – a molecular and pangenomic analysis

Key words: Pathogen, gene regulation, microbiology

The intestines of humans and animals are home to trillions of microorganisms including many different species of bacteria. Most of these bacteria are harmless and actually benefit the host organism. However, some bacteria have evolved molecular systems that allow them to attack unfortunate hosts. Thus, these harmful “pathogenic” bacteria cause severe disease that results in millions of deaths every year. The Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) Vibrio cholerae (Ve) and Yersinia enterocolitica (Ye) all produce the same “heat-stable” toxin that directly targets epithelial cells in the host intestine (1). This toxin forces the host cells to excrete large amounts of water and electrolytes. You will determine the molecular mechanisms via which toxin production is regulated in these different bacteria. You will then study the evolution of these regulatory systems between the different bacteria. You will be trained in the use of state-of-the-art molecular and genomic laboratory techniques (2).
___

To find out more about studying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham, including full details of the research undertaken in each school, the funding opportunities for each subject, and guidance on making your application, you can now order your copy of the new Doctoral Research Prospectus, at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/drp.aspx
___

Please find additional funding text below. For further funding details, please see the ‘Funding’ section.

The School of Biosciences offers a number of UK Research Council (e.g. BBSRC, NERC) PhD studentships each year. Fully funded research council studentships are normally only available to UK nationals (or EU nationals resident in the UK) but part-funded studentships may be available to EU applicants resident outside of the UK. The deadline for applications for research council studentships is in January each year.

Each year we also have a number of fully funded Darwin Trust Scholarships. These are provided by the Darwin Trust of Edinburgh and are for non-UK students wishing to undertake a PhD in the general area of Molecular Microbiology. The deadline for this scheme is also in January each year.

Please note the only funding available for our PhD is via the Scholarships mentioned. All applicants should indicate in their applications how they intend to fund their studies. Any academically suitable applicant that does not indicate how they intend to fund their studies will be considered for the Darwin and/or the Elite Scholarships if not already indicated. We can only consider applicants who have their own funding or wish to apply for their own funding or are successful in gaining a Scholarship.