Emily Horsburgh
Published: 30 September 2026
Wednesday, 30 September 2026
- Research Assistant (University of Glasgow)
- Location: Room 407 (Agricultural) Joseph Black Building
Title: Undecylprodigiosin as an Anti-Virulence Strategy Against Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli
Synopsis:
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important foodborne pathogen capable of causing severe human disease, while conventional antibiotic treatment is generally avoided because of the potential to increase Shiga toxin production and release. This creates a need for alternative strategies that target bacterial virulence without inhibiting growth.
This talk will explore the anti-virulence activity of undecylprodigiosin (Red), a secondary metabolite produced by a bovine-derived Streptomyces isolate. Red was identified following screening for compounds capable of altering STEC behaviour and was found to significantly reduce bacterial swarming without affecting growth or FliC production. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed widespread changes in bacterial physiology, including altered expression of genes associated with respiration, iron acquisition and virulence-related pathways. Together, these findings suggest that undecylprodigiosin interferes with STEC physiology and behaviour rather than acting as a conventional antimicrobial, highlighting its potential as a basis for novel anti-virulence approaches.
Bio:
Emily Horsburgh is a microbiology researcher at the University of Glasgow. Her research focuses on bacterial virulence, host-associated microbial interactions and the development of alternative approaches for controlling pathogenic bacteria. Following her PhD, she joined the group of BBSRC Fellow Dr Rebecca McHugh, where her current research investigates anti-virulence strategies against Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, including the use of bacterial secondary metabolites to disrupt behaviours associated with colonisation and disease.
First published: 30 September 2026
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