GSRA Postion F11-31
Development of a phage display library to iron restricted proteins for control of Acinetobacter infections
Faculty Name: Jerry Sanders
Department: Biology
Campus Address: 271 MSB
Email: dsander@umflint.edu
Phone: 810-762-3041
Project Description: Acinetobacter baumannii and related species are gram-negative, aerobic rods. These bacteria are ubiquitous in the environment and have been recognized as causes of nosocomial infections. The proportion of these infections has increased over the past decade and furthermore multi-drug-resistant strains have emerged limiting available treatment. The purpose of this study is to develop an immune scFv phage library (complete repertoire of antibody binding pockets from immunized animals) and use it to evaluate approaches for treatment of Acinetobacter infection. This approach to treatment would circumvent antibiotic resistance mechanisms currently of concern. This is a multi step project with the first step to develop a phage display library that express on their surface the antigen binding pockets from antibody that recognize proteins used by the pathogen to acquire and utilize iron. The second step of this project will be to evaluate methods using these unique pockets to disrupt Acinetobacter metabolism or lyse.
Semesters Desired: Fall 2011 AND Winter 2012
GSRA Position Description: During the fall semester the GSRA would assist in production of the phage display library which would include isolation of plasma cells from immunized mice. Extraction from the plasma cells of mRNA which will be used to produce cDNA. The cDNA will be used as template for PCR amplification of the hypervariable regions encoding the heavy chain and light chain portions of the antibody repertoire. These amplified regions will be ligated together and inserted in to M thirteen bacteriophage encoding region for protein three. During the winter semester the student will be screening the phage display library to identify specific Acinetobacter proteins that it is reactive with.
Specific Day/Time Requirements: The days and times the GSRA will be needed will be variable depending on the demands of the research project.
Special Requirements: Expertise with techniques in molecular biology, good microbiology laboratory techniques, and experience with microbial pathogens. Expertise with growht of Acinetobacter baumannii. Punctuality and reliability in attendance.
Graduate Students in These Programs May Apply: Candidate in mind