The cell envelope is an important interface through which the bacterial cell interacts with its external environment. For some bacteria that might be the soil, or in the case of pathogens, the human body. The cell envelope has great significance in the biology of bacteria and influences their roles in infection and as industrial agents in biotechnology.
The nocardioform actinomycetes such as members of Rhodococcus, Nocardia, Mycobacterium and Corynebacterium share a common cell wall architecture which differs from the familiar Gram-positive and Gram-negative models. Like Gram-negative bacteria, this group have an outer membrane but with a very distinctive chemistry, being founded on characteristic branch chain fatty acids known as mycolic acids that are covalently tethered to the underlying peptidoglycan wall. These mycolic acids can be considered as having a shielding function, protecting the bacterial cell from the physicochemical challenges imposed upon it from its habitat, whether this be compounds released by competitors organisms in a wild microbial community, or disinfectant, antibiotics and the killing mechanisms of the immune system, when we consider pathogens like Rhodococcus equi, Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The mycolic acids are a very significant permeability barrier keeping out noxious chemicals that might damage the bacterium but the envelope must also be a dynamic structure which allows for cell growth and has systems in place to allow materials to pass to nourish the cell.
Much of the biochemistry that produces the cell wall components have been defined over recent years but there are still significant issues to consider. The passage of materials through the mycolic acid matrix is poorly understood. For instance, transport processes for the accumulation of micronutrients such as iron and haem and their passage into the cell require definition. Likewise, the molecules that direct export of secreted proteins from the bacterium to its environment have not been identified.
Molecular tools are available to modify the genomes of rhodococci and to study them in the context of biotechnology and in infection. You are welcome to contact Dr Dover ahead of formal application.
Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non- UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above)
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required
For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please note: All applications must include a covering letter (up to 1000 words maximum) including why you are interested in this PhD, a summary of the relevant experience you can bring to this project and of your understanding of this subject area with relevant references (beyond the information already provided in the advert). Applications that do not include the advert reference (e.g. SF22/…) will not be considered.
Deadline for applications: Ongoing
Start Date: 1st October and 1st March are the standard cohort start dates each year.
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our doctoral students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University hold a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Employer, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career development of researchers.
Informal enquiries to Dr Lynn Dover ([Email Address Removed])
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