Microbes & Pathogen Biology
The primary focus of the Microbe and Pathogen Biology research group is the study of fundamental biological processes in cells, microbes and parasites as well as applied processes in environmental microbiology, parasitology and disease control. The group provides a broad platform of fundamental and applied expertise in the biosciences, including: molecular biology; cell biology and cell signalling; microbial biochemistry and genomics; stress metabolism; bioremediation; parasite biology, physiology and therapeutics; protein biochemistry, expression and engineering; peptide/protein modelling and synthesis; nucleic acid structure and function; bioimaging.
This diverse array of interests, ranging from protein modelling, through microbiology to parasite control, is linked by common approaches within the molecular biosciences that are aimed at exploiting the ongoing genomic, transcriptomic/proteomic revolution. The molecular microbiology component is heavily involved with QUESTOR, a successful International Industry/University Co-operative Research Centre. The food safety and nutritional research elements are linked with the Institute for Global Food Security which aims to exploit cutting-edge technologies to drive a competitive and sustainable agricultural sector. The group has a wide range of strong international links across Europe, Asia and North America.
Research staff
Prokaryote biochemistry, biocatalysis and biotransformation.
Genomic and proteomic analysis of the host-parasite interface, especially filarial and gastrointestinal nematode infections.
Microbiological food safety, novel detection methods, emerging pathogens.
Stress mechanisms and responses in microbial cells and ecosystems.
Adaptation and molecular evolution of infectious yeast, histone post-translational modifications.
Consequences of animal management on performance, ability to cope with pathogens and environmental impact.
Structure and function of integral membrane proteins.
Dynamics, regulatory mechanisms and functions of co-transcriptional RNA processing in plants.
Parasite biochemistry, endectocide target discovery, neurobiology.
Molecular parasitology, drug target discovery and validation.
Molecular microbiology and bioremediation, microbial ecology.
Pol I transcription, molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the regulation of rRNA transcription.
Parasite proteomics, pathogen proteases and immunomodulators.
Bacterial cell surface mapping and rapid diagnostics.