Assaying the function and antimicrobial activity of slipper limpet hemocyanin

About the Project

Project Description

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is reaching a crisis point, with recent estimates suggesting that by 2050, 10 million people annually will die of from infection by pathogens with AMR. To tackle this crisis both novel antimicrobial therapeutics and better diagnostic tools are needed. Since developing countries will be disproportionately affected by AMR it is also essential that these novel therapeutics can be easily and cheaply produced in bulk.

Hemocyanins are oxygen transport proteins present in the hemolymph (blood) of arthropods and molluscs. In addition to their normal physiological role, molluscan hemocyanins are involved in the host innate immune response. Damage to hemocyanins by either protease treatment or partial denaturation gives rise to phenoloxidase activity, important in the synthesis of the antimicrobial pigment melanin. Proteolysis has also been demonstrated to liberate peptides with antimicrobial activity.

We have recently started investigating the structure and functional properties of a novel hemocyanin from the slipper limpet (Crepidula fornicata) which may be a source of novel antimicrobial peptides; these peptides may represent a new set of tools for countering the growing problem of AMR. Recent preliminary data indicates that the full-length hemocyanin protein, and a protease-treated preparation, shows antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

In this project, we propose to explore this potential antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity further. Using a range of clinically important bacterial and fungal species and in vitro and in vivo (Galleria mellonella) methodologies, we will explore the susceptibility of both planktonic and biofilm (single and mixed species) communities to these compounds. The ability of the compounds to alter microbial pathogenicity and interact synergistically with current antibiotics will also be explored. Experiments will also be performed to fully characterise the functional properties of slipper limpet hemocyanin, quantifying oxygen binding, enzyme activity and fractionating protease-treated preparations to isolate single functional units and active peptides.

This project represents an excellent opportunity for a student to work towards developing novel antibiotics, learning and applying techniques in protein biochemistry, enzyme and ligand binding assays, antimicrobial susceptibility assays, biofilm assays and virulence assays.

Contact details for supervisor- Dr Mark Young

Email – YoungMT@cardiff.ac.uk

Phone Number - +44 29208 79394

How to apply:

You can apply online - consideration is automatic on applying for a PhD in Biosciences

Please use our online application service at https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/biosciences-phd-mphil-md

Please specify that you are applying for this particular project, the supervisor and source of funding.

Information on the application process can be found here

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying

Entry requirements-

Applicants should have obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, Applicants with a lower second class will only be considered if they also have a Master’s degree. Academic qualifications are considered alongside significant relevant non-academic experience.

English Language-

IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or equivalent. Please see our English Language Requirements guidance for more details.

Funding Notes

This project is suitable for self funded or externally funded students looking for a PhD position at Cardiff University.

Funding required will need to cover the Tuition fees, bench fees and Living expenses.