Location: Streatham Campus

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP). The SWDTP involves the four research-intensive universities across the South West - Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter – and Rothamsted Research. For further details about the programme please see http://www.bristol.ac.uk/swdtp/swdtp_about/.

Supervisors:

Dr Steven L. Porter, Biosciences (University of Exeter)

Prof Ravi Acharya, Biology & Biochemistry (University of Bath)

Professor Richard Titball, Biosciences (University of Exeter)

Project description:

Bacteria monitor their environment using sensors (kinases), which detect potential threats and trigger responses that ensure survival. Some bacteria have hundreds of sensors and the prevailing view in the field is that most of these sensors work independently. However, many strategic decisions affecting long-term survival cannot be taken simply on the basis of a single stimulus detected by a single sensor. Networks of sensors (multikinase-networks), where multiple different sensors work together to detect and integrate multiple stimuli allow much more sophisticated decision making but these are thought to be rare. We have developed a bioinformatic method that allows us to predict these sophisticated networks which, in contrast to the prevailing view, suggests that these networks are common and that therefore bacteria have a remarkable capacity for making complex decisions.

This project is focussed on a unique multikinase-network that we have predicted in Burkholderia pseudomallei which comprises two sensor kinases that are essential for cell growth. This network represents an important landmark in the research of multikinase-networks as it is the first example of a multikinase-network that orchestrates processes that are essential for cell growth. It is likely to be an excellent target for the development of antimicrobial drugs.

For further information and eligibility please visit: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=1638

Funding:

For eligible students the award will cover UK/EU tuition fees and an annual stipend (in 2014/15 this was £13,863 for full-time students, pro rata for part-time students) for three and a half years.

Citizens of a EU member state will be eligible for a fees-only award.