Antimicrobial Resistance and Gene Regulation in Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli
Explore how a novel AggR variant controls virulence in antibiotic-resistant EAEC strains. Use genome analysis and synthetic biology to develop potential new therapies against EAEC infections.
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Project Description
Project Overview
Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) are significant bacterial pathogens causing diarrhoeal disease worldwide, particularly affecting children and immunocompromised patients. These strains adhere to gastric mucosa and establish biofilms, secreting toxins that cause tissue damage. Increasing antimicrobial resistance among EAEC strains limits treatment options. This project aims to elucidate how a variant of the AggR transcription factor regulates virulence genes and contributes to antimicrobial resistance, using genomic and molecular biology approaches.
What You Will Do
The student will analyse sequenced genomes of EAEC strains isolated from Egyptian and Brazilian children, characterizing antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors, and plasmid content. Using synthetic biology techniques, the student will engineer mutant versions of AggR to modulate gene expression by blocking specific promoters, thus exploring novel therapeutic strategies to prevent infection.
Expected Outcomes
This research will clarify the gene regulatory mechanisms behind EAEC pathogenicity and antimicrobial resistance. The project aims to identify key genes regulated by the novel AggR variant and assess the potential of engineered mutants to reduce virulence, laying groundwork for new antimicrobial therapies targeting EAEC infections.
Why This Matters
Understanding EAEC gene regulation is critical to combating diarrhoeal diseases that impact global health, particularly in vulnerable populations. Addressing antimicrobial resistance in these pathogens aligns with urgent public health priorities and may inform development of innovative therapeutics to mitigate EAEC-related morbidity.
Entry Requirements
How to Apply
Eligibility
Supervisor Profile
Dr Douglas Browning is a researcher at Aston University's College of Health and Life Sciences focusing on bacterial gene regulation and pathogenesis. He studies Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli, particularly mechanisms controlling virulence and antimicrobial resistance. His work applies molecular biology and synthetic biology to understand and combat infectious diseases.