Physiology of Geobacillus thermoleovorans T80 grown at sub optimal temperatures: a systems biology approach

The proteome of Geobacillus thermoleovorans grown at sub optimal temperatures will be compared with that from the organism grown at optimal laboratory temperatues. Differential expression of proteins will be analysed by 2D gel electrophoresis and by gell free shotgun proteomics using ICATs. Elucidation of the basis of thermophily in this organism is of greatest interest

Physiology of Geobacillus thermoleovorans T80 grown under environmental stress: a systems biology approach

This project seeks to investigate the physiological response of Geobacillus thermoleovorans T80 when exposed to a range of adverse environmental conditions, including elevated metal ion concentrations, presence of xenobiotic toxicants, extremes of pH and salinity and dessication. Molecular biology methods, developed de novo and in house, will be used to construct knock out mutants of genes associated with cellular responses to such conditions.

Mass spectrometry for the identification of clinically significant microorganisms

Intact cell mass spectrometry may provide a relatively rapid and inexpensive way of typing similar clinical microbial strains, compared to time consuming molecular biology based methods. Studies are underway to determine optimum conditions and validity of mass spectrometric methods for typing of a number of Pseudomonas isolates associated with cystic fibrosis lung infections.

Biochemistry and genetics of Gram positive microorganisms involved in pharmaceutically active organophosphonate compound metabolism

Organophosphonate compounds may, in certain enzymatic reactions, serve as analogues of biological phosphates. As such, they offer a relatively untapped resource of bioactive molecules with potential use as antimetabolites in the treatment of a range of conditions. This project focuses on pathways leading to production of an antiviral compound, phosphonoacetate and the effects of microbial carbon source on its metabolism.

For further information please contact:
Professor Geoffrey McMullan (g.mcmullan@ulster.ac.uk)
Tel: +44 (0)28 7032 4755 Fax: +44 (0) 28 7032 4375