Metals and host-pathogen interactions: the role of metal handling systems in the human gastrointestinal pathogen Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter jejuni is a globally important food-borne pathogen causing an estimated 400-500 million cases of acute human gastroenteritis each year. This bacterium is able to colonize and persist in farm animals, particularly chickens, which are the major source of human campylobacteriosis. Metals (such as zinc and copper) play a central role in the outcome of bacteria-host interactions. To control infections, in a process termed nutritional immunity, the immune system exploits both the need for bacteria to acquire metals in order to proliferate and the innate toxicity of metals. In response pathogenic bacteria have evolved a myriad of metal-sensing, metal-acquisition and metal-detoxification systems which represent key virulence determinants. These systems offer attractive targets for the development of much needed novel antimicrobial agents as well as opportunities to exploit nutritional immunity. This project combines the expertise of two laboratories (Cavet – Metals in bacterial pathogens, Linton – Campylobacter biology) and focusses on uncovering and characterising the metal handling systems in C. jejuni, and examining their roles in allowing this pathogen to adapt to metal stresses within its human and animal hosts.

Training/techniques to be provided -
The student will join the Molecular Microbiology Group based in the Michael Smith Building at the University of Manchester with state of the art facilities, and will receive a broad training in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, cell biology and microbiology techniques (including DNA and RNA manipulation, protein expression and purification, bacterial and mammalian cell culture and infections). This training will provide an excellent basis for a career in biosciences research.