Veerapattra (Im) Apitidakul

• The Early Days in Characterising Ultrasmall Parasitic Bacteria
• BSc Hons Biomedical Genetics

Dental plaque consists of many species of microorganism and is a key factor in oral diseases such as caries (tooth decay) and periodontitis (gum disease). Recently, a major group of bacteria of Saccharibacteria phylum (TM7) has been cultured and evidence suggests they play key roles for protection against oral diseases. These bacteriaare ultrasmall symbiotic organisms that require a larger bacterial host to survive and grow. In this project,Saccharibacteria will be characterised by coculturing with their host bacteria called Arachnia propionica to study their interaction with the host. Specifically, Saccharibacteria will be quantified using molecular techniques. Cell surface proteins and genetic material of the coculture will also be analysed by cell surface labelling and using bioinformatics tools, aiming to identify candidate proteins that are responsible for adhering to the host. By characterising Saccharibacteria, the outcome will potentially lead to newapproaches to control dental plaque-related diseases. 

Funded by: Applied Microbiology International

Project Supervisor: Professor Nicholas Jakubovics