Targeting disease-related proteins using NMR spectroscopy (BLUMENSCHEINU17SF)

The Blumenschein lab uses NMR spectroscopy to look at the structure, dynamics and interactions of proteins involved in disease. In collaboration with other research groups, we look at proteins involved in cancer and infectious diseases.

Colicins are proteins produced by bacterial strains of Escherichia coli against other strains when in competition, and lead to the death of the target strain, while the originating strain is protected by immunity proteins. In the current antibiotic crisis, colicins have been suggested as alternative antimicrobial treatments. We focus on the pore-forming colicins A and N, which cross the outer membrane and periplasm of the target cell to form a nonspecific voltage-dependent pore in the inner membrane. This leads to cell death via membrane depolarisation and ATP depletion. Despite these proteins being extensively studied, the details of the mechanism of pore formation have not yet been elucidated. We aim to study their mechanism of action using NMR and other biophysical techniques, with a view to future therapeutic use.

The student will receive training in molecular biology techniques, protein expression and purification, NMR spectroscopy, and other techniques for studying protein interactions with different ligands.