Exploring Drug Resistance Mechanisms in Pathogenic Bacteria

An image of a bacterial cell with efflux transporters expelling antibiotics.

Characterization of bacterial efflux transporters involved in antibiotic resistance. 

Project is Not Currently Available

This project has reached full capacity for the current term. Please check back next semester for updates.

Project description

Pathogenic bacteria have evolved a variety of mechanisms to thrive within their hosts, even in the face of antibiotic treatment. One particularly effective strategy is the expression of membrane transport proteins that actively pump out a wide range of antibiotics, enabling the bacteria to survive and proliferate sometimes in the presence of multiple antibiotics.

In this project, you will explore the molecular underpinnings of multiple drug resistance by:

  • Surveying scientific literature and biological databases to identify key drug efflux transporters.
  • Selecting a clinically relevant transporter associated with antibiotic resistance.
  • Designing and implementing protocols for the expression, purification, and biochemical characterization of the chosen protein.

This hands-on research opportunity will introduce you to essential techniques in molecular biology and protein biochemistry, while contributing to our understanding of one of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine. 

Project outcome

  1. Literature and database review report.
  2. Experimental design plan.
  3. Purified protein.
  4. Characterization data.
  5. Final report/presentation.
  6. Research poster to present at a local meeting 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment Year-long
Start time Spring (January/February)
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person
Level of collaboration Work directly with a postdoctoral student and the PI
Benefits Stipend
Who is eligible

Sophomores

Juniors

Seniors 

Core partners

Department of Structural Biology

Hauptman-Woodward Research Institute

Project mentor

Aviv Paz

Assistant Professor

Structural Biology

Phone: (716) 881-7585

Email: avivpaz@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. After you’re approved to begin the project, your mentor will send the relevant materials. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

Read the following review (fully accessed through UB's internet)

Read relevant articles and book chapters provided by the PI once approved.

Complete required orientation with PI once approved. 

Keywords

biochemistry, biological sciences, structural biology, bacteriology