Development of novel proteomic tools to explore Burkholderia pathogenesis

Summary Within this project, we aim to explore new state-of-the-art approaches to track and quantify proteomic changes at the intracellular host pathogen interface.

Project Details

Multiple bacterial pathogens escape detection and removal by the host immune system by hiding within cells. Understanding how bacteria create hospitable intracellular environments is critical for developing approaches to help prevent infections in immunocompromised individuals, and advancing new therapies to purge these infections from cells. Within this project, we aim to explore new state-of-the-art approaches to track and quantify proteomic changes at the intracellular host pathogen interface. Utilising recent innovations in protein labelling, redox probes and mass spectrometry, both the host and bacterial factors which contribute to intracellular replication will be identified. By applying these tools, we will gain valuable insight into how Burkholderia cenocepacia (a serious opportunistic infection of CF suffers) survives within human macrophages leading to a deeper understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of Burkholderia.