Bacterial folate synthesis and long-term health

A key goal of the research in the biology of ageing is to find ways to maintain health and prevent debilitating chronic conditions in old age. There is increasing evidence that the gut microbiota contribute to conditions such as diabetes, bowel inflammation and cardiovascular problems. Dietary effects on health may be caused by changes to the composition and metabolism of the gut microbiota. We use the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans cultured on live E. coli bacteria and a defined growth media to model interactions between animals, microbes and diet. These experiments have given rise to the novel finding that inhibiting folate synthesis in E. coli leads to an increase in C. elegans lifespan. Further work has shown that E. coli and similar bacteria may accelerate ageing and ill health through novel mechanisms. The aim of this project is to test whether using compounds to inhibit bacterial folate synthesis increases markers of health in in vitro mammalian gut models (Prof Barry Campbell’s lab, University of Liverpool) and in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, which has a more complex gut (Dr Rebecca Clark’s lab, Durham University). Using genetic manipulation of the E. coli and high throughput assessment of animal health in C. elegans, the mechanisms of the activity will be uncovered, and the application of this further insight will also be tested in the more complex models. The student will learn to work with a unique combination of models to test microbial function and gain an understanding of how the gut microbiota influences ageing.

For further information see the website: https://www.dur.ac.uk/biosciences/

To apply:

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