Research Themes
Our research falls into six areas.
Bacterium-host Interactions
The commensal bacteria that inhabit our bodies are essential for us to live. Meanwhile, other bacteria are pathogens that pose serious threats to health. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and how pathogens subvert host cellular processes to induce disease will inform the development of new treatments.
Cell Envelope, Growth and Division
The cell envelope, comprising wall and one or two membrane layers, plays many key roles in bacterial cell function. It specifies cell shape, provides strength and protection, and represents a critical interface with the environment.
The synthesis of cell envelope layers needs to be coordinated with cell growth. The topology of envelope growth must be radically changed to bring about cell division. Finally, envelope functions represent some of the best targets for antibiotics.
Staff (Cell Envelope Growth and Division)
The following members of staff work in this research area:
- Dr Richard Daniel
- Professor Henrik Strahl
- Professor Bert van den Berg
- Professor Waldemar Vollmer
- Dr Kevin Whitley
- Dr Katarzyna Mickiewicz
- Dr Manuel Banzhaf
- Dr Alistair Brown
- Professor Paula Salgado
- Professor Jeff Errington
Protein Structure, Function and Engineering
Proteins are the basic building blocks of life. Our scientists are exploring the molecular structure and biophysical properties of bacterial proteins. Particular strengths lie in studies of bacterial protein interactions with complex carbohydrates, other proteins, lipids, DNA, enzymes and metals.
Chromosome Replication, Segregation and Repair
Although the core components of the DNA replication machinery of bacterial cells are well characterised, many features of the regulation of replication and the subsequent segregation of replicated sister chromosomes, as well as processes involved in DNA repaid remain enigmatic.
Development and Gene Regulation
Bacterial cells need to respond to a wide variety of environmental challenges. To do so, they use different adaptive processes, including complex morphological changes such as sporulation and biofilm formation. We study several of the signal transduction networks which regulate bacterial developmental processes as well as transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomics networks.