How auto-transporter proteins mediate bacterial interactions

该项目旨在研究在细菌细胞黏附、聚集和生物膜形成中支持关键自动转运蛋白作用的结构-功能关系。自动转运蛋白在细菌中非常常见，它们在控制细菌与其他细菌、人类细胞和表面的相互作用方面发挥着核心作用。这个项目将确定这些过程背后的分子机制。这将有很大的好处，例如为开发阻断自动转运蛋白功能的方法提供基础，这些功能有助于建立持久的和难以治疗的细菌感染。

This project aims to investigate the structure-function relationships that underpin key auto-transporter roles in bacterial cell adhesion, aggregation and biofilm formation. Auto-transporter proteins are extremely common in bacteria where they play a central role in controlling bacterial interactions with other bacteria, with human cells, and with surfaces. This project will define the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes. This will have significant benefits, such as providing the basis for the development of approaches to block auto-transporter functions that contribute to the establishment of persistent and difficult to treat bacterial infections.