PRESENTATION OF THE SUB-PROJECT 3

Regulation of the virulon of L. monocytogenes by carbohydrates

HOST INSTITUTION AND SUPERVISOR:

University of Copenhagen, Dr. Hanne INGMER (more details)

OBJECTIVES:

Preliminary data suggest that host sugar-molecules have chitin-resembling moieties and that these are substrates for both bacterial and human chitinases. Considering that the L. monocytogenes chitinases are important in both environmental and host adaptation, we wish to identify the host chitin-type molecules and determine the role of these molecules as well as of the listerial chitinases for attachment, invasion and long-term survival in host cells. To assess the environmental role of the L. monocytogenes chitinases we will determine the regulation of chitinase expression and investigate the conditions at which they are expressed. The role of chitinases in adaptability of L. monocytogenes will be determined by investigation of the respective mutants in growth and survival in the various environments and the ability of the mutants to survive and initiate growth after abrupt changes in environments.Regarding the critical role of carbohydrates in regulation, this project will use combinations of proteomic and transcriptomic approaches to dissect the intricate regulatory mechanisms controlling chitinase expression. This will be studied using transposon mutagenesis and site-directed mutagenesis.

EXPECTED RESULTS:

Global transcriptomic response to chitin. Determination of TSS. Identification of proteins critical for regulation of chitinase expression. Evaluation of the role of chitinases during infection. Contribution of chitinases to soil and plant adaptation

SECONDMENTS:

University College Cork (more details) and University of Bugundy (more details)

DURATION OF THE RECRUITMENT :

36 months

 

PRESENTATION OF THE FELLOW

Miguel VILLORIA RECIO

MY PREVIOUS TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

My name is Miguel Villoria Recio and I am a Spanish, 26 year old PhD student currently working in The University of Copenhagen. Previous to this, I received my BSc Hons and MSc degree in biology from The University of Salamanca, Spain. During this time, I participated in two mobility programmes where I had the chance to study in the University of Torino, Italy and in The University of Edinburgh, U.K, where I continued my studies in infectious diseases with a Masters by Research degree.

WHY I WANTED TO JOIN THE PROJECT :

The training in the List_MAPS project covered everything to satisfy one’s personal goals. The possibilities to work in a different country within an international atmosphere and in the field of infectious diseases were my main interests. In addition, mobility is one of my biggest priorities and the facilities and research conducted in the University of Copenhagen are second to none. Studying how different molecules present in the environment, especially sugars, can modulate the expression of the virulence genes in Listeria monocytogenes and deciphering their role in the adaptation from saprophytic to pathogenic life is one of my main interests.

ABOUT MY RESEARCH PROJECT :

The chitinolytic system of L. monocytogenes is involved in the degradation of chitin and there is evidence that the chitinases can influence the virulence of this bacterium. My research project will contribute to expand the knowledge on the role of the elements forming the chitinolytic system in the adaptation from its environmental existence to pathogenic lifestyle. I will perform transcriptional experiments through QRT-PCR to study the expression of the chitinases in different environmental and in vivo models and their relationship with virulence. This project will sought to provide solutions to significantly improve the safety in food production.

General public presentation

OTHERS INTERESTS :

Travelling is my biggest passion. Getting to explore and meet other cultures and people’s lifestyles is the most fulfilling activity for me. Besides, I am very fond of the outdoors; hiking and trekking in good company are within my most appreciated leisure habits. Playing the guitar and theatre are also in my top list.

CONTACT :

michirecio@sund.ku.dk
https://dk.linkedin.com/in/miguel-villoria-recio-2a387594

 

 

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska Curie grant agreement n° 641984