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<p>The objectives of this research project are to uncover knowledge about the molecular mechanisms that bacterial cells use to divide including understanding factors that regulate the FtsZ-ring and the role of regulated proteolysis during the cell division pathway. This research is important for the development of new strategies and methods to combat microbial contamination and infections. Our aims are to apply biochemistry, molecular biology and microbiology to elucidate complex intermolecular interactions among key cell division proteins and investigate the interplay between the protein degradation machinery and the cell division cycle. The results obtained from these studies will be published in scientific research journals and communicated at scientific conferences. </p>
<p>NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: In order for bacterial populations to multiply, they must undergo a fundamental cellular process known as cell division. The cellular factors that control and execute this process have highly coordinated interactions. Our scientific research aims to understand how these components complete this highly complex cellular process, which allows bacterial cells to multiply. This research will contribute to our scientific knowledge of the process, which may be used to design new strategies and methods to combat microbial contamination and infections.</p>