Studying the mode of action of glycolipid flippases – a potentially new class of antibiotic target

Glycolipids are found in all cells and are vital for life. They are transported across cell membranes by enzymes known as flippases, but little is known about how these processes occur. Furthermore, as several glycolipid flippases are unique to bacteria, they could be new antibiotic targets. Stephen will use a multidisciplinary approach to study how these glycolipid flippases function, which in turn could allow the rational design of new antibiotics. He will start his fellowship with Professor Benjamin Davis at the University of Oxford, before continuing his work with Professor James Naismith at the University of St Andrews.