Postdoc Appreciation Week in Birmingham

Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss) and pv. morsprunorum (Psm) cause the disease known as bacterial canker of cherry trees. Our research evaluated the changes in Pss, Psm and the plant metabolome during infection using MS-based untargeted metabolomics. We found that Pss demonstrated rapid degradation of glycosylated flavonoids, produced several phytotoxins and induced a lower accumulation of flavonoid precursors, coumarins and carboxylic acids compared with Psm which instead produces rhamnolipid-related fatty acids.

Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a predatory bacterium, invades and consumes Gram-negative bacteria. Understanding its molecular biology is crucial for therapy and combating antimicrobial resistance. We have identified a family of adhesive fibres involved in prey interaction, utilising C-terminal interaction domains. Using X-ray crystallography and biophysics, we show these fibres bind Bdellovibrio's outer membrane using their N-terminal domains via lipoprotein fold complementation.

Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite infecting ~30% of the world's population, primarily affects immunocompromised individuals. However, in South America 'atypical' strains exist causing ocular toxoplasmosis with high morbidity and mortality. Interferon gamma (IFNg) stimulation after infection kills most parasites in a strain-dependent manner and can also initiate strain-specific cell death. Our study explores IFNg-driven control of diverse Toxoplasma strains in retinal epithelial cells, shedding light on defence mechanisms in ocular toxoplasmosis.