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Structural Biology of pathogen:host interactions

Reference	BBS/E/J/000C0624
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Mark Banfield
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	John Innes Centre
Department	John Innes Centre Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	1,397,435
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/12/2007
End date	31/03/2017
Duration	111 months

Abstract

The primary aim of the research group is to investigate the mechanisms of pathogen:host interaction during infection/colonization at the molecular level. We use a range of structural biology techniques to understand the function of specific proteins and how they interact with their environment. Some current priorities include establishing structure/function relationships in ‘effector’ proteins from pathogens important for human/mammalian health and agriculture (e.g. Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Phytophora infestans (the Irish potato famine pathogen)), and mechanisms of pili biogenesis in Group A Streptococcus. Our primary experimental tool is structure determination by X-ray crystallography, but we also complement this with solution-based methods (circular dichroism, isothermal titration calorimetry, surface plasmon resonance, analytical ultracentrifugation, small angle X-ray scattering, spectroscopy) as appropriate. Structural data is frequently used to establish hypotheses which can then be tested, for instance, by site-directed mutagenesis and further study. We collaborate extensively with groups in Norwich, the UK and worldwide to ensure the in vivo relevance of our in vitro data. We also have an interest in developing/employing new technologies to advance throughput in protein production and structure determination to both streamline our current research projects and enhance the feasibility of establishing new projects in the Laboratory.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Not funded via Committee
Research Topics	Crop Science, Microbiology, Plant Science, Structural Biology
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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