Spider in the web: multiple interactions of the essential cell division protein FtsQ as novel targets for antibitotic intervention

Programme / Research groups

This AIMMS-PhD project 10-001-202 is part of the programmes Molecular mechanisms of biological processes and Design and characterization of molecules and medicines.

The project bridges the two research groups Medicinal Chemistry (FEW, PI: Iwan de Esch) and Molecular Microbiology (FALW, PI: Joen Luirink).

Keywords

antibiotics, cell division, protein interactions, fragment-based drug design

Summary

For many years, the western society has very confidently been able to rely on antibiotic treatment in case of bacterial infection. Unfortunately, antibiotic resistance is now increasingly emerging and a simple scratch or hospital treatment can lead to devastating effects when infection with a so-called resistant superbug occurs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed serious concerns about the emergence of antimicrobial resistance along with a steady decline in the discovery of new antimicrobials. Novel antibiotics are crucial to
contain and decrease the burden of infectious diseases. This AIMMS project will combine the target expertise of the Molecular Microbiology section (FALW) and the efficient drug discovery capabilities of the Medicinal Chemistry Section (FEW) to address this need. (Read more)