Investigate the molecular and physiological Interactions between the Prophages
This PhD project will investigate the molecular and physiological principles of prophage interactions and their role in horizontal gene transfer and antimicrobial-resistance (AMR) dissemination. The study will be based on clinically derived S. aureus isolates that naturally harbour multiple prophages. The study will be analysing different combinations of responses to environmental and stress cues and how prophage composition affects host behaviour, virulence potential, and gene transfer.
Prophages identified from these isolates will then be introduced into defined laboratory strains to understand the influence of host background, prophage identity, and prophage number on competition, cooperation, and dominance. Complementary prophage-deletion mutants will reveal the impact of prophages on bacterial physiology.
The candidate will use techniques like molecular microbiology, reporter assays, and quantitative phage measurements. The student will also characterise how distinct prophages are activated and interact.
