Background
With a broad understanding gained in my Biochemistry and Microbiology Undergraduate degree at Sheffield University, I decided to continue onto a master’s and specialise in a relevant topic of increasing global threat – Antimicrobial Resistance. My 3rd research project was conducted by Dr Mesnage and investigated Clostridium difficile peptidoglycan structure and composition. As a dry lab, we used Microsoft excel and the novel software ‘PGfinder’, along with m/z data from Xcalibur to identify proportions of peptide stem composition found in 2 different strains. The project presented how strains with acquired additional genes can enable alternative crosslinking of peptidoglycan and confer resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. My interest in AMR was strengthened through this work and directed me to my current program. My 3rd year Literature Review was conducted by Dr Corrigan and examined chemical signaling processes in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in response to cellular stresses. I addressed the SOS, Stringent, and Heat-shock response in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. This research increased my understanding with bacterial communication both intra- and inter-species. I have a keen interest in developing novel therapies for targeting infectious disease. I hope the Research Project will advance my knowledge in bacterial infection dynamics and designed treatments. |
The Team
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