Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

A group of researchers led by Colin Kleanthous in the Department of Biochemistry has shown for the first time how a toxin released by bacteria delivers its toxic payload into cells.

FpvA1 is a transporter that brings the iron complex Fe-pyoverdine across the outer membrane of bacteria

In a recent PNAS paper, the group demonstrates that the bacteriocin hijacks a transporter normally used for bringing iron into the cell, to sneak across the outer membrane. The work will help on-going efforts to develop bacteriocins, which are naturally occurring protein antimicrobials, as next-generation antibiotics. 

Read more (Department of Biochemistry website)