Molecular Understanding of Bacterial Virulence
We explore protein structure, enzyme mechanisms, and bacterial physiology to uncover how molecular processes drive bacterial virulence and survival.
Research Interests
Our research group focuses on understanding protein structure and function, enzyme mechanisms, and bacterial physiology. We apply these fundamental principles to explore how bacteria establish infection and evade host defences, with a particular emphasis on the opportunistic pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii.
Protein Structure & Function
Understanding the structural and mechanistic basis of bacterial physiology to uncover how pathogens cause disease.
Alternatives to Antibiotics
Developing anti-virulence strategies that disarm pathogens without killing them.
Acinetobacter baumannii
A WHO "critical priority" pathogen. Studying its unique biology to identify novel therapeutic targets.
Techniques We Use
Our research is multidisciplinary and integrates biochemistry, structural biology, microbiology, and omics approaches to investigate bacterial physiology and virulence at the molecular level. By combining these complementary techniques, we aim to connect structural and mechanistic insights with functional understanding in infection contexts.
Biochemistry
Protein expression and purification, enzyme kinetics assays, substrate specificity profiling and inhibitor screening, enzyme engineering, biochemical & biophysical characterisation, mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Structural Biology
Primarily X-ray crystallography, which provides high-resolution, atomic-level details of the molecules, to understand protein structure and function.
Microbiology and Infection Models
Core microbiology techniques, including genome editing, growth and viability assays, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We collaborate closely with groups within CIMI for clinically relevant in vitro and in vivo infection models.
Omics Approaches
We use the expertise within the university to carry out cutting edge omics studies (Liverpool Shared Research Facilities). In particular, we utilise Metabolomics and Proteomics, to detect small molecules and investigate protein interaction networks.
Join Us
We are always interested in hearing from motivated students with a relevant background, who is keen to explore the structural basis of bacterial virulence and contribute to the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.