Advancing the clinical impact of novel antifungal agents by understanding their effects on biofilms

Supervisors: 

Fraser Scott, University of Strathclyde 

Jason Brown, University of Glasgow 

 

Summary: 

Invasive fungal infections are an increasing global public health concern, with those with underlying health problems or a weakened immune system most at risk. This underrecognized global health threat is compounded by the rapid emergence of antifungal resistance.

With the recent announcement of the World Health Organisation fungal priority pathogens list, there is consensus that novel antifungal drugs are urgently needed now. Of particular concern is that these fungi are capable of causing highly recalcitrant biofilm infections.

Through a multidisciplinary approach at the interface of infection biology and drug design, you will investigate a novel, emerging class of antifungal compounds called Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders (S-MGBs). Specifically, you will contribute new knowledge relating to the effects of S-MGBs on mono-species and complex polymicrobial biofilms, and work alongside an emerging spin out company to translate these findings into novel therapies with clinical impact.

In addition to developing a broad set of transferrable and commercial skills, you will gain expertise in both chemistry and biology, across two research labs. Within the Brown group at the University of Glasgow you will learn a variety of conventional and novel techniques and methodologies relating to biofilm culture in vitro. Within the Scott group at the University of Strathclyde you will develop skills in synthetic organic chemistry and drug design, and use state-of-the-art techniques, such as Biomolecular NMR, Native Ion Mass Spectrometry and target engagement assays.