Professor Galina Mukamolova

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research is focused on investigation of bacterial dormancy and resuscitation. In particular I am interested in Mycobacterium tuberculosis the causative agent of tuberculosis and Burkholderia pseudomallei the causative agent of melioidosis. My research career started with the discovery of Resuscitation-promoting factor (Rpf) which has had a lasting impact on tuberculosis research. I explore the clinical importance of Rpf and Rpf-depdendent M. tuberculosis and have developed models for validation of drugs against persister mycobacteria. I also investigate molecular protein kinase signalling mechanisms and peptidoglycan recycling. My research has been funded by BBSRC MRC Royal Society European Commission and industry.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Passionate about science and research, supportive, goal-driven and collaborative.

Provision of Training

I will do my best to organise your training and will offer my knowledge and experience to guide your through your PhD study. I would greatly value your independence, creativity and initiative.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will set out my expectations of your progression on a weekly/monthly basis. If these progression criteria are not met we will always discuss a plan of action together.

Communication

I am happy to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential or my/our expectations. I value flexibility and may send emails when I have time. I do not expect you to respond immediately.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per week

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per month

These meetings will be a mixture of face to face, via video chat or telephone, and I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Working Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Resilience under fire: the battle against Mycobacterium bovis

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Resilience under fire: the battle against Mycobacterium bovis

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Amanda Chaplin

University of Registration: University of Leicester

BBSRC Research Themes:

Sustainable Agriculture and Food (Animal Health and Welfare)

Project Outline

Tuberculosis is a major global threat affecting humans and production animals. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) has a devastating impact on animal welfare, physical and mental health of farmers and productivity of food industry. Leicestershire is in the edge area for bTB with high risks of disease spread and transmission. Eradication of bTB is the high world, national and local priority. Mycobacterium bovis, the etiological agent of bTB, is a highly virulent pathogen that causes extensive damage of the lungs. It thrives in macrophages by overcoming host-imposed stresses. The abundance of M. bovis DNA detected in the environment suggests the high resilience of the pathogen and its efficient ability to repair DNA.

ATP dependent helicases UvrD1 and UvrD2 have been implicated in multiple DNA repair pathways. UvrD1 activity is enhanced by Ku protein and regulated by the redox state. Activity of UvrD2 is Ku and redox state independent. In mycobacteria UvrD1, UvrD2 and Ku are phosphorylated; however, the importance of phosphorylation for function of these proteins is unknown. We hypothesise that UvrD1 and UvrD2 helicases play distinct roles in M. bovis growth, persistence and transmission. To evaluate our hypothesis, we will investigate the interplay between UvrD1, UvrD2 and Ku in M. bovis BCG, an attenuated laboratory strain for bTB research.

Objectives

1. To generate single deletion mutants of uvrD1 and ku and a conditional mutant of uvrD2

2. To characterise mutant's phenotypes in infection and aerosol models.

3. To establish the effect of phosphorylation on Ku, UvrD1 and UvrD2 activities, interactions and stability.

4. To develop tools for visualisation of DNA-repair machinery in mycobacteria.

Methods

Genetic manipulations, viability assays, infection and stress survival studies, biochemical and structural characterisation of proteins and their interactions, microscopy and imaging.

Co-supervisor on a project with: Dr Natalie Garton

91福利

Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership