S-Layer Virulence Factors

Bacterial surface layer (S-layer) proteins self-assemble into a 2D paracrystalline lattice, which has recently been identified as a virulence factor. Our goal is to determine thermodynamic and kinetic factors that both regulate the assembly of S-layers and enable their depolymerization, e.g. through the introduction of nanobodies. The developed computational framework will be used to identify therapeutics that will aid the global fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Above figure is partially adapted from Gerbino et al. World J Microbiol Biotechnol (2015) and Sletyr et al. Prog Mol Biol (2011)