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Content archived on 2024-05-29

Transfer of knowledge in microbial signal transduction pathways and metagenomics

Objective

Micro-organisms perceive, transduce and respond to a complex array of signals and stimuli, in both pathogenic interactions with hosts and during survival under stressful environmental conditions. Studying these interactions and responses requires the application of a multidisciplinary systems microbiology based strategy that considers external signals and host/community interactions as well as internal pathways of signal transduction (ST) and gene expression.

This project aims to acquire new expertise that will facilitate an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and manipulating these ST pathways. Firstly this will involve the use of the zebrafish as an alternative animal model to allow the in vivo study of these pathways in pathogenic bacteria and fungi; thereby increasing our understanding of how pathogenic microbes sense and respond to environmental signals, particularly those involved in triggering expression of virulence genes.

This system will facilitate the high throughput pathogenic screening of target genes in mutants and the use of in-situ imaging, to allow for rapid, non-invasive and real time analysis of in vivo gene expression. Secondly, it will involve the use of metagenomic expertise and novel heterologous expression systems, which will be used in high throughput screens; to isolate and identify novel bioactive compounds of pharmacogenomic relevance, that may modulate these ST pathways and influence survival or virulence in human hosts.

This ToK will be achieved by seconding 2 personnel from UCC to partner institutions, and by recruiting 7 (2 MER and 5 ER) experienced researchers with relevant expertise. These researchers will work on specific research projects and undertake designated activities to ensure that the acquired knowledge gets transferred and embedded at the host institution. The knowledge acquired will complement existing expertise at the host and will facilitate research of the highest international standards to be sustained.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Topic(s)

Call for proposal

FP6-2005-MOBILITY-3
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

TOK - Marie Curie actions-Transfer of Knowledge

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK
EU contribution
No data
Total cost
No data

Participants (2)