Cel
Research objectives and content
We have shown that H. pylori, a major aetiological agent in the development of gastrointestinal disseases, induces reduction of the transepithelial resistance of epithelial monolayers in a process involving increased paracellular permeability, suggesting that the bacteria alters the normal tight junction function. These preliminary studies also suggested the ocurrence of specific bacterial antigen-cellular receptor interaction followed by intracellular signaling. Aim 1. Analysis of cellular mechanisms mediating H. pylori induced altered permeability in the epithelium. Density and distribution of the tight junction proteins Z0-1 y Z0-2 will be assessed by immunohistochemical and microscopical techniques using computerized image analysis as well as analysis of specific H. pylori-induced phosphorylation of Z0-1 and Z0-2 and others. Variations on the intracellular calcium concentration will be determined and protein sequencing will be also carried out. Aim 2. Characterization of H. pylori protein(s) involved in alteration epithelial paracellular permeability. Identification, purification, identification of target gene and subcloning and expresion in E. coli will be carried out. Polyclonal antibodies to H. pylori antigens will be generated. If possible receptor cross-linking studies will be carried out to identify surface receptors for candidate proteins on epithelial cells.
Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
The proposed study is expected to identify proteins of major interest which may be of importance in determining the immune response of the host to H. pylori infections. Hence, proteins identified in this study could well become candidates either for immune manipulation of the gastrointestinal tract or as vaccines. Therefore there should be considerable commercial interest in this particular field of study. Links with industry / industrial relevance (22)
Dermot Kelleher, scientist in charge at the host institution, is a Wellcome Senior Fellow in Clinical Science.
Dziedzina nauki
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologybacteriology
- natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryalkaline earth metals
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteins
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunology
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsvaccines
Zaproszenie do składania wniosków
Data not availableSystem finansowania
RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships)Koordynator
8 Dublin
Irlandia