Towards a pipeline for the testing and characterisation of novel antimicrobials of marine origin

About the Project

A self-funded PhD is available with the aim of developing a pipeline for novel marine derived antimicrobials. This PhD will draw upon expertise available within the Division of Pharmacy & Optometry and the Department of Chemistry. Dr Humphreys and Professor McBain are microbiologists with experience working with antimicrobials. Dr Gardiner has experience in the synthesis and characterization of a wide range of styles of structures, including natural products.

There is a limited understanding of the antimicrobial potential of marine bacteria. A previous profiling experiment within the microbiology research group utilised diffusion chambers for the culture of fastidious marine bacteria. Antagonism screening of isolated bacteria was conducted against a panel of clinical pathogens to identify isolates of interest for antimicrobial discovery. 77 marine bacteria were cultured in this first round of testing, of which a pigmented colony, StswCE-Ab10, exhibited significant inhibition of MRSA. 16S rRNA gene sequencing suggested StswCE-Ab10 to be an unspeciated member of the genus Pseudolalteromonas. Previous analyses of pigmented Pseudolalteromonas spp. suggest this genus to utilise up to 15% if its genome in secondary metabolism and as such, may harbour a bioactive potential comparable to that of the Actinobacteria, a phylum that has produced most of our clinically relevant antibiotics to date.

A successful candidate will have the flexibility to collect and investigate samples with a view to developing a library for screening. Here, in-house training in culture and next generation sequencing characterisation will be provided. Upon the isolation of potential bacteria of interest, the proposed testing pipeline will include: (1) The determination of nutrient profiles on bacterial antimicrobial production; (2) The purification and characterisation of cell free supernatants; (3) The profiling of purified antimicrobials using standardised approaches against a panel of clinical pathogens. Time permitting, there is scope to identify the chemical structure of lead compounds.

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, iin a Biological Sciences related discipline.

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

How to Apply

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Medical Microbiology Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website

Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester

Funding Notes

Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 3 (high) fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website: View Website

References

Paulsen, S. S. et al. (2019). mSystems. 4(4): e00060-19.