Functional characterisation of (p)ppGpp in Staphylococcus aureus: essential messengers required for stress adaption and survival

Rebecca is a molecular microbiologist interested in the study of the cell-signalling and virulence mechanisms of the Gram-positive pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Her recent work has led to the development of a genome-wide approach to analyse nucleotide-protein interactions. Rebecca aims to use this methodology, in conjunction with biochemical assays, to identify binding targets for (p)ppGpp, nucleotides that are involved in promoting persistent and recurrent infections. The mapping of the (p)ppGpp signalling network will provide a greater understanding of how S. aureus can persist in the human host, enabling rational drug design.