Project: Mapping elemental fluxes during host-pathogen interaction
McDevitt group
During infection, the host modulates tissue concentrations of key metal ions (e.g. iron, copper and zinc) to either starve or poison invading bacteria. This project will investigate the temporal and spatial interplay between pathogenic bacteria and the flux of inorganic chemical components at the host-pathogen interface. This will be achieved using an innovative new approach called elemental bio-imaging that allows us to quantitatively map the distribution of metal ions within host organs during infection. This study will provide new insights into how the host manipulates metal ion concentrations to resist bacterial infection.
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McDevitt group
2 vacancies
Metal ions are essential for cellular chemistry in every cell in all forms of life. Research in the McDevitt group seeks to understand the role of metal ions in bacteria and how they influence host-pathogen interactions. Our specific research interests are: to understand how bacteria acquire essential metal ions from the environment; characterise the cellular roles of metal ions in bacteria; and elucidate the role of metal ions at host-pathogen interface. By understanding the chemical biology of bacteria, our work opens the way to developing novel antimicrobials to starve invading pathogens of crucial trace elements.
McDevitt group Current Projects
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Understanding the biological chemistry of pneumococcal disease
PhD/MPhil, Honours
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How is selective metal ion transport achieved at the host-pathogen interface?
PhD/MPhil, Honours
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Mapping elemental fluxes during host-pathogen interaction
PhD/MPhil, Honours
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Metal ion homeostasis in Klebsiella pneumoniae
PhD/MPhil, Honours
Research degrees at the Doherty Institute are administered by the University of Melbourne.