Gram-negative pathogens are responsible for major disease problems in humans and animals, and a better understanding of the mechanisms for how these bacteria cause infections is key to identify more effective ways to prevent and treat outbreaks. Vibrio spp. are particularly problematic in aquaculture systems, where fish and shellfish are farmed primarily for human consumption. Indeed, Vibrio spp. are the etiological agents of several important global diseases such as vibriosis of fish and acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) of shrimp, while some species are zoonotic thus posing risks to humans, including V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus and V. cholerae[1,2].
In earlier work with a transposon mutant library of Vibrio anguillarum (an important marine pathogen of fish and invertebrates), we identified a transformant with highly attenuated virulence in a novel insect alternative model of infection [3]. This mutant was disrupted in a gene not previously known to play a role in infection. Further investigation has revealed the disrupted gene to encode a protein with toxic action that appears to be activated by an enzyme, which allows for its release from the bacterium into the infected host. These components represent potential vaccine candidates and drug targets for new prophylactic (e.g., vaccine) and therapeutic approaches.
The aim of this project will be characterise the structure and biological activities of the novel protein and its activator to assess the role of these proteins in bacterial virulence. This will be achieved by: expressing the genes of interest in an heterologous host; isolating and purifying the proteins of interest; determining the structures of the proteins and their interaction; assessing the biological activity of the activated protein including against fish cell lines.
In this fundamental life science project with practical applications, the successful candidate will be trained in microbiology including gene cloning and heterologous expression; protein biochemistry, structural biology and crystallography; and fish cell culture and bioassay development. The student will receive a diverse programme of skills development coordinated by the Institute of Advanced Studies (Stirling) and the EASTBIO network to enhance future employability prospects. The student will split their studies between the Universities of St Andrews and Stirling depending on the needs of the different project components.
Application forms and Reference Request forms can be downloaded at this link: http://www.eastscotbiodtp.ac.uk/how-apply-0
Completed forms should then be sent to Moira Maron at [Email Address Removed]