ian.cadby@bristol.ac.uk

PhD opportunity: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/protein-structure-function-analyses-of-proteins-essential-for-intracellular-survival-of-tick-borne-bacteria/?p148054

The main research interests of the Cadby lab are the neglected tick-borne pathogens Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. These pathogenic bacteria cause infection in a remarkably broad range of hosts and impact global livestock industries. They are experts at surviving inside hosts (indeed, they are entirely reliant on eukaryotic hosts for their replication) and employ multiple strategies to manipulate host cells to this end and also to evade host immune defences.

The current focus of the lab is to use multi-disciplinary approaches with an emphasis on structural biology to define the adaptations of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia that enable their intracellular lifestyle. Key aims are to use protein structure-function studies to i) understand molecular mechanisms of host subversion by secreted effector proteins, ii) identify the host-pathogen inter-species signalling events that controls the bacterial infective lifecycle, and iii) explore how resources are scavenged from host cells. Research in these areas will inform on molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and has clear potential for the development of novel pathogen and host directed therapies to combat disease.

Additionally, we see these bacteria as an excellent case-study for understanding molecular evolution. Species within genus Anaplasma are adapted to different host species and host cell types – how are the proteins that enable intracellular survival adapted to these different niches, do these proteins have inter-kingdom specificities, and what can these observations tell us about other intracellular pathogens and intracellular survival strategies in general?

We are a recently formed group, motivated by curiosity-led research, and with a collegiate and collaborative mind-set. We work with colleagues in Bristol Veterinary School, more broadly across Bristol University (such as Biochemistry & CMM), and with national and international collaborators. We welcome enthusiastic individuals into the lab (please contact Dr Cadby directly to discuss prospective PhD projects) and are firmly committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment.

Please see https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/protein-structure-function-analyses-of-proteins-essential-for-intracellular-survival-of-tick-borne-bacteria/?p148054 for a current PhD opportunity.