Metabolomics investigation of oral bacteria involved in chronic periodontitis to determine biomarkers indicative of systemic disease

Applications will be reviewed until a suitable candidate is appointed.

Chronic Periodontitis (CP) is a chronic infection of the of the periodontium, which is mediated by a wide spectrum of oral microorganisms that predominant in the elderly. It has become apparent that periodontal disease is involved in the onset and progression of a number of systemic diseases. The bacteria and metabolites produced in CP have been associated with an increased risk and severity of arthritis, diabetes, atherosclerotic plaques, and Alzheimer’s Disease. However, it is unknown how the interactions of the bacterial species at different stages of CP influence the production of secondary metabolites, many of which are toxins.

This project is aimed at combining metabolomics technologies to offer insight into microbiological processes that underpin serious, key heath issues, thus enabling a systems level understanding of biomolecules in health and disease. In addition, the predictive value of such CP-specific biomarkers (bacterial metabolites) will be tested on a sub-set of whole saliva samples from patients with varying severity of periodontitis. Identification of biomarkers and metabolites of certain pathways linked to the infectious agents may provide clues on potential antimicrobial targets and lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies. 

This highly multidisciplinary project that bridges metabolomics with conventional microbiology will underpin the understanding of how microorganisms influence health and disease processes in mono and mix communities. The PhD student will receive training on a wide range of wet laboratory and analytical skills, including sophisticated analysis and interpretation of the complex data generated by metabolomics techniques and appropriate multivariate statistical techniques. Both laboratories involved in this collaborative project have researchers from a range of backgrounds, countries, and disciplines, hence alongside learning the research techniques and transferable skills, the student will engage with a range of students and postdoctoral scientists and will actively see how research is translated into industrial and clinical pathways.

For enquiries or to express your interest in this position, please contact: Dr Howbeer Muhamad Ali on: [Email Address Removed]