Stephanie Begg
Medicine
University of Adelaide
Australia
Biography
Metal ions play an integral role in the cellular chemistry of all forms of life. During bacterial infection, the human host can use both metal ion intoxication and starvation in an attempt to kill invading bacteria. As a result, human bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae have evolved an extensive repertoire of molecular mechanisms to survive and thrive in conditions of metal stress. My research investigates how bacterial pathogens steal essential metals, such as manganese and zinc, from the host during metal starvation, and conversely, how the bacteria resists metal toxicity during intoxication. By gaining a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms used by bacteria to survive and cause disease, we will discover novel opportunities for therapeutic exploitation, and help to combat the ever-increasing rates of antibiotic resistance.
Research Interest
Medicine,Medical Education,Research,etc
