Project: Metal ion homeostasis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
McDevitt group
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major opportunistic human pathogen and the leading cause of death in cystic fibrosis. Our recent studies investigating the chemical biology of this pathogen have identified novel pathways involved in the acquisition of essential metal ion nutrients, such as zinc and molybdenum, from the lung environment. This project will build on our detailed insights to assess the roles of these major, yet uncharacterised, pathways and how they influence the growth and behaviour of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study will define new pathways involved in metal ion homeostasis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other gram-negative bacteria.
Contact project supervisor for further
information and application enquiries
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
-
Understanding the biological chemistry of pneumococcal disease
PhD/MPhil, Honours
-
Metal ion homeostasis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
PhD/MPhil, Honours
-
How is selective metal ion transport achieved at the host-pathogen interface?
PhD/MPhil, Honours
-
Mapping elemental fluxes during host-pathogen interaction
PhD/MPhil, Honours
Research degrees at the Doherty Institute are administered by the University of Melbourne.