Olivia Keers
PIPS Host Organisation: UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

Olivia’s Exploration of Bacterial Transporters for Drug Discovery and Development

Olivia’s PIPS project focused on exploring bacterial transporters for drug discovery and development. Bacteria control what enters their cells through transporters within their cell membranes, which are attuned to specific cargo. Efforts are underway to produce antimicrobial agents that can access this transport system. One such agent, microcin C, belongs to a class of antimicrobials called bacteriocins, which are peptides produced by bacteria to inhibit the growth of other bacteria.

Olivia’s project involved investigating the mechanism of resistance to microcin C and its efficacy as an antimicrobial agent. She generated minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for a range of antimicrobial agents, created microcin C-resistant strains of E. coli, completed whole genome sequencing for these strains, and developed a series of microbiome-mimicking and amino acid-rich/depleted growth media. Although she did not have enough time to gain a full understanding, she began investigating the mechanism of resistance to microcin C and its involvement in amino acid transporters and utilization.

With a background in chemistry, Olivia’s PIPS placement allowed her to develop a range of microbiology skills that she would not have had the opportunity to acquire otherwise. Alongside skill development, her placement provided valuable experience in a professional research organization, complementing her previous experience in academic institutions