After invading human cells, bacteria are recognised by receptors directly at its surface, forming a unique cell signalling platform and activating an early stress response. One such receptor, Guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP1), recognises a surface molecule on Gram-negative bacteria called lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Bacteria are also recognised by the Linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) and emerging evidence suggests an interplay between the GBP and the LUBAC system. Through this project, you will study LUBAC and GBP1 interactions using co-immunoprecipitation and western blotting. Alongside, you will express and purify recombinant LUBAC components and investigate how they interact with GBP1 at the bacterial surface using fluorescence microscopy. Additionally, LUBAC’s effect on cell signalling will be investigated using an siRNA knockdown in human macrophages where infection will be assessed by ELISA, cell death, and bacterial survival assays. You will be integrated in lab activities (e.g., weekly lab meeting, 1:1 meeting with myself and Dr Boucher) and have the opportunity to present your work. You will develop skills in project management, teamwork and developing scientific ideas. Students will be expected to present their findings orally at a research day in York in September 2024.