Jamie Yam Auxillos

• Bsc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences with Medical Microbiology
• Investigation on uropathogenic Escherichia coli membrane proteins and their effects on phenotype and behaviour

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a causative agent for over 80% of urinary tract infections (UTIs), including cystitis and pyelonephritis. It is therefore important to investigate the mechanism of UPEC colonisation in order to be able to devise effective treatments against this pathogen. Colonisation of a healthy bladder is prevented by the activity of the innate immune system, specifically the activation of the NF-kB pathway. The aim of this project is to determine whether certain UPEC membrane proteins prevent the activation of our innate defence system. Proteins investigated in this project were EnvZ, an osmolarity sensor protein, LacI, a Lac operon repressor, OmpR, an osmolarity regulator protein and TcpC, a TIR homologous protein.

Funding source: Newcastle University