Microbial biofilms grow on biotic and abiotic surfaces. The matrix of the biofilm that the pathogen produces protects them from the host immune response and antibiotics. This proposes a major challenge for the treatment of chronic infections. In an article published in Plos Pathogens, Dustin J. Little and Roland Pfoh (Howell lab) and co-authors demonstrate that the C-terminal domain of PgaB is a glycoside hydrolase that can hydrolyze […]
The type IV pilus is a long and sturdy grappling hook that bacteria use to attach to a surface and then pull themselves closer to the surface. They are important for virulence in many pathogens, including those that cause cholera, gonorrhoea, food-borne diseases, and multi-drug resistant hospital acquired infections. The molecular mechanism of the motors involved in throwing out and pulling […]
Natalie Bamford, a former University of Toronto Biochemistry Specialist and current PhD student in the Howell lab, was recently awarded a prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to continue her studies. Natalie’s research focuses on understanding the biosynthesis of the fungal biofilm exopolysaccharide galactosaminogalactan.
“This is a new exciting project as little is known of fungal exopolysaccharide biosynthesis. I […]
Collaboration between Dr. P. Lynne Howell and Dr. Don Sheppard has led to the discovery of a novel class of enzymes and an increased understanding of how to potentially fight a common and deadly fungal infection.
Read more about this publication here: http://canadianglycomics.ca/breaking-down-the-protective-armour-of-the-mold-aspergillus-fumigatus/