The ability of bacteria to spread within the organs and tissues of their host underlies their ability to establish successful infection. Certain bacteria such as Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa are exceptional at displaying various forms of motility. Under specific conditions, a group of P. aeruginosa cells can move together under the influence of quorum sensing and biosurfactant (Summary figure 1), a process called swarming. Swarming bacteria have been shown to be resistant to antibiotics. We aim to understand the environmental triggers of swarming so that the spread of bacteria could be controlled. In our previous work, we have shown that ethanol produced by microbes is a trigger for swarming (Badal et al. mBio 2021) and iron limitation promotes rhamnolipid production (Pradhan et al. BiorXiv 2022). To identify components of the core machinery that regulates swarming in P. aeruginosa, we screened 5800 mutants of the bacterium and identified 271 genes to be essential for swarming. The Masters project is focused on finding which of the 271 genes regulate rhamnolipid production or flagellar motility. You will utilize a GFP reporter for rhamnolipid, surfactant quantification assays as well as qRT-PCR for ascertaining the effect of these genes on Rhamnolipid production. The ability of mutants to swim will be ascertained in a simple plate-based quantitative assay followed by use of a GFP reporter for a flagellar component.
During the course of the project, you will learn some molecular biology techniques and various assays for P. aeruginosa including swarming and swimming. You will be mentored on various components of research including hypothesis generation, execution, analysis of data and interpretation, manuscript writing etc.
Please see our website for further details on the programme:
Life Sciences MSc by Research MSc by Research (Postgraduate) : Study : University of Dundee
Please note before submitting your application that you must list your top three project choices in the Research Proposal section of the application form.
You apply for this course using our Direct Application System. Once you've signed up for an account you'll be asked to search for a course.
https://www.dundee.ac.uk/study/pgr/research-areas/life-sciences/
To find Life Science MSc by Research you should select the following options:
· Course type: Research Postgraduate
· Keyword: Life
When you complete your form, you should include your top 3 project choices, 2 letters of reference, uploaded under "Other Information" > "Supporting documents" and a personal statement. Failure to do so will delay your application.
Please note when submitting an application that we have the following deadline dates throughout the year:
September Starts - Application Deadline 1st May, Interview Date - Late June
January Starts - Application Deadline 1st Sep, Interview Date - Late October
May Starts - Application Deadline 1st Feb, Interview Date - Late March