PhD Studentship: Targeted bacterial adhesion-inhibitors for reducing Staphylococcus aureus skin colonisation in atopic dermatitis

University of Birmingham - Department of Microbes, Infection and Microbiomes

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory skin disorder in children. Skin colonisation by Staphylococcus aureus exacerbates AD by increasing inflammation, and is difficult to eradicate using conventional antimicrobial approaches. A critical early step in S. aureus skin colonisation is adhesion to corneocytes within the stratum corneum. This process is mediated by bacterial cell wall anchored protein adhesins that bind specific host ligands on the skin surface, enabling stable colonisation and persistence. This PhD project aims to define the molecular mechanisms underpinning S. aureus adhesion to human skin in AD and to exploit this knowledge to develop targeted topical strategies that block bacterial attachment without driving antimicrobial resistance. We have previously demonstrated that S. aureus cell wall anchored adhesins promote robust adherence to corneocytes isolated from AD patients. These interactions involve defined host ligands, including corneodesmosin. Building on this work, we have identified chemical compounds that show strong potential as adhesion inhibitors, completely blocking S. aureus attachment to corneocytes without affecting bacterial growth. The successful candidate will investigate adhesin-ligand interactions at molecular and cellular resolution and assess novel anti-adhesion compounds using advanced in vitro and ex vivo models of human skin. This interdisciplinary project will bring together cutting edge molecular microbiology, biochemistry, formulation science and state of the art skin models to address a clinically important problem and lay the groundwork for innovative therapies for atopic dermatitis. The PhD student will be embedded within a vibrant research environment and receive comprehensive training in cutting edge molecular microbiology and biochemistry, including bacterial genetics, protein-ligand interactions, advanced cellular and ex vivo models of human skin, and formulation engineering.

The project will be supervised by Professor Joan Geoghegan (j.geoghegan@bham.ac.uk).

Funding notes:
This studentship is funded by the British Skin Foundation. Funding is available for home/UK students only.