Molecular mechanisms of encystation and sporulation

Professor Schaap studies the genetically tractable Dictyostelid social amoebas. These have a sporulation phase in their life-cycle which is evolutionarily derived from encystation – a mechanism employed by pathogenic protozoa and which can cause problems, as cysts are resistant to immune clearance, antibiotics and biocides. Professor Schaap will use a Dictyostelid model to investigate the signalling pathways of encystation and explore whether crucial regulatory proteins in these pathways might be suitable targets for the design of drugs to inhibit encystation.