PhD Research Project: A crystal shell: function of the critical Clostridium difficile surface layer

Clostridium difficile is the most frequent cause of hospital acquired infection across Europe. This highly antibiotic resistant pathogen relies on antibiotic-mediated disruption of the gut microbiota in order to cause disease. We urgently need to develop species-specific antimicrobials that kill C. difficile without further disruption to the gut microbiota. The C. difficile cell is coated by a crystalline protein surface layer (S-layer) that mediates contact between the bacterium and its host and environment. The S-layer is a promising, albeit unexploited, target for new therapeutics but until recently we have not had the tools necessary to study this critical surface structure. Our work focusses on the structure, function and biogenesis of this crystal shell.

The successful candidate will join our multi-disciplinary Wellcome Trust-funded project in collaboration with Dr Paula Salgado in Newcastle University and Dr Gillian Douce at the University of Glasgow. The PhD student will work alongside a postdoctoral scientist at the University of Sheffield, with regular collaborative meetings in Newcastle and Glasgow and the opportunity of a placement in a partner’s laboratory.

Website:
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mbb/staff/robertfagan

Funding Notes

The studentship provides full tuition fees for a Home or EU student, and includes an annual, tax-free stipend at the standard RCUK rate (2016/17 is £14,296) and a Research Training Support Grant to cover international travel, secondments and exchanges. It is funded for 3.5 years full-time study, subject to satisfactory progress.

References

Robert P. Fagan and Neil F. Fairweather (2014) Biogenesis and functions of bacterial S-layers. Nature Reviews Microbiology 12:211-222.