Cohort 4 (2022-2026)

Max Hill

Institution: Newcastle University

Project Summary: PROteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are a promising and recent technological development utilised in the degradation of proteins in eukaryotes. Application in bacterial pathogens however has been overlooked as protein degradation in this way was thought to be unique to eukaryotes. Recently it has become clear an exception to this exists, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other actinobacteria, have been shown to possess a highly analogous degradation system. Consequently, this project will expand our current interest in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) pathogen and focus on the development of MycoTACs, the first PROTAC like molecules for use in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Interesting Fact: I have my Master’s degree course code tattooed on my wrist…MoSMed next anyone?