Daum Group Welcome to our group! We employ the method of electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM) to determine the structure and function of molecular machines and assemblies, which form the very fabric of life. Our research will provide important new insights into the inner workings of cells and also inform new ways to re-engineer biomolecules for novel applications in nanotechnology and drug delivery. Our Research THE STRUCTURE OF MICROBIAL CELL WALLS Many bacteria and most archaea are enveloped in S-layers, protective lattices of proteins. These S-layers define both the cell’s shape and periplasmic space and play essential roles in cell division, adhesion, biofilm formation, protection against harsh environments and phages and comprise important virulence factors in pathogenic bacteria. We investigate the structure S-layers in order to gain a deeper understanding into their function and to explore how these fascinating protein lattices can be engineered into novel materials in nanotechnology and drug delivery. THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION FLAGELLA AND PILI Microorganisms use a variety of filaments that extend up to several micrometers from the cell surface. These filaments have a wide spectrum of functions essential to microbial life: They enable cells to move, adhere to surfaces, and interact with each other and their environment. These filaments are controlled by molecular machines that are anchored to the cell membrane and drive their assembly and motion. Our lab uses cryoEM to study the structure and function of these filaments and the molecular machines that control them. Our work will shed new light on microbial biology and has important implications for drug development and synthetic biology. STUDYING EUKARYOTIC INTRACELLULAR PARASITES Using electron cryo-tomography, we investigate how tiny eukaryotic parasites called microsporidia infect animal and human cells. Our work will provide new insights into how to combat infectious diseases at the molecular level. INVESTIGATING RIBOSOME HIBERNATION IN EUKARYOTES Dormancy is an essential developmental process in many organisms, including bacteria, plants, fungi, and animals. We study the cellular process of dormancy in eukaryotes and the role that ribosomes play within it. Our work will shed new light on how ribosomes are switched off as cells transition into dormancy and how ribosomes are reactivated again when the cells “reawaken” from dormancy. 3 FULLY FUNDED PHD STUDENTSHIPS AVAILABLE The Daum Lab is recruiting three motivated PhD candidates: A fully-funded UKRI / Marie Skłodowska Curie Doctoral Network studentship to study the structure and function of archaeal S-layers, archaella, and pili. A fully-funded UKRI / Marie Skłodowska Curie Doctoral Network studentship to investigate biotechnological to investigate biotechnological applications of archaeoviral nanomachines and surface layer proteins. A fully-funded split-site studentship funded by the Universities of Exeter and Paris Saclay to study the molecular origin of sexual reproduction in Asgard archaea. All PhD projects are highly interdisciplinary and will employ microbiology, biochemistry, biophysics, and cutting-edge multimodal bioimaging approaches such as electron cryo-microscopy, electron cryo-tomography, and superresolution fluorescent microscopy. If you are interested, please get in touch via email: b.daum2@exeter.ac.uk. To find out more about the Daum Group check out our website!