Mechanisms of action of Lactic acid secretions as anti Helicobacter pylori agents
The Creuzenet lab, located in the Microbiology and Immunology department at the University of Western Ontario (London, ON), is seeking a MSc candidate for fall 2025 to participate in research on the gastrointestinal bacterial pathogen Helicobacter pylori.
This research will focus on characterizing the mechanism of action of Lactobacilli secretions in their anti-H. pylori effects, as described in Whiteside 2021. The project is conducted in collaboration with a PDF entering his third year, and involves partnerships with industry and MITACS.
The candidate will work on exposing H. pylori to various bioactive substances identified by the lab, followed by viability and urease assays. Additionally, the project includes exposure of bacteria to gastric cells, with subsequent measurements of cytokine production and transepithelial resistance. The study also investigates sensor kinases using mutants to assess their ability to perceive active compounds. Furthermore, the research utilizes extensive RNASeq data in conjunction with a newly developed lux reporter system to compare multiple Lactobacilli strains.
The overall goal is to explore the potential of lactic acid bacteria secretions and bioactive compounds as adjunct therapies against H. pylori, especially in light of increasing antibiotic resistance.
Applicants should have a strong background in bacteriology and a solid understanding of bacterial metabolism, gene regulation, and bacterial interactions.
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