E.coli as a pathogen
Major funding is provided by the RCUK, including the BBSRC and MRC. Our research programs include understanding how E. coli pathotypes colonise specific niches within the host using relevant in vitro and in vivo models. This approach helps us understand the basis to infection and therefore enables the design and testing of virulence factor inhibitors. Under a current MRC grant, in collaboration with Dr Gill Douce, we aim to characterise the novel anti-infective agent, Aurodox. This project is led by Dr Rebecca McHugh.
The BBSRC has long been a key funder, with two current project grants supported. The first of these is led by Dr Ester Serrano, a postdoc studying the key metabolic protein AdhE under the co-guidance of Professor Olwyn Byron. This includes a wide range of biophysical and structural analyses including cryo-EM, SAXs and AUC.
A second BBSRC project investigates the regulation of the genotoxin colibactin, led by Dr. Emily Addington. Colibactin provides an intriguing link between some commensal E. coli strains and cancer.
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