Exploring the therapeutic potential of a novel Botulinum toxin

Details

Clostridial neurotoxins are produced by anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum. Each toxin molecule has a highly conserved zinc-dependent protease domain that cleaves SNARE proteins, a family of molecules required for intracellular trafficking and vesicle fusion. Due to their potency, specificity and length of action they have become widely used in the cosmetic industry and have also proven very effective in the treatment of medical disorders associated with neuronal hyperactivity. In 2017 a new botulinum toxin was discovered and named BoNT/X. BoNT/X cleaves a larger number of SNARE proteins than conventional botulinum toxins, opening up the possibility of targeting new biological processes and medical conditions. The aim of this project is to characterise the biology of BoNT/X and determine how it intoxicates cells so gaining an insight into its therapeutic potential. The student will be trained in a range of state of the art techniques including recombinant protein engineering, super resolution microscopy and intracellular transport assays. In addition, the student will also gain experience in generic approaches such as molecular biology, cell culture and viral transductions.

Funding Notes

Self-Funded Students only