Office hours
9.30 to 10.30 Mondays
1.30 to 2.30 Wednesdays
2.30 to 3.30 Fridays
Dr Steve Michell
Associate Professor
Biosciences
University of Exeter
Geoffrey Pope Building
Stocker Road
Exeter EX4 4QD
About me:
I am a molecular microbiologist with interests in the the virulence mechanisms of pathogenic bacteria. My research has focused on the post-translational modification of bacterial proteins and into the development of genetic tools for the manipulation of hazardous pathogens. My lab looks predominantly at secreted proteins, focusing on lipoproteins. We study both Gram negative and positive bacteria, with the aim of characterising novel virulence factors. I am a member of the Microbes and Disease research group.
Interests:
My research aims to identify and characterise novel virulence factors from human pathogens to further understand mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis. One area of particular interest is bacterial post-translational modification. Several pathogens secrete proteins which are acylated or glycosylated, or both, and function as virulence factors. Understanding the mechanisms by which pathogens modify their proteins and the contribution of these modifications to disease is the main focus of my research. I also have an interest in whole genome sequencing of bacterial pathogens as an approach to identifying novel virulence factors.
Current projects include study of the mechanism of protein acylation by Clostridium difficle and its role in virulence. Identification of novel virulence factors of Vibrio vulnificus. I also have collaborative research projects with Professor Rick Titball looking at Burkholderia pseudomallei and Coxiella Burnetti.
Collaborators- Prof Neil Fairweather – Imperial College
- Prof Nigel Minton – University of Nottingham
- De Ed Tate – Imperial College
- Dr Craig Baker-Austin – CEFAS
- Dr Rosanna Leuzzi – Novartis, Siena
- Dr Paolo Landini – University of Milan
- Dr Mona Bajaj-Elliot – University College London
- Dr Ray Sheridan -Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
- Dr Ed Keedwell – CEMPS, University of Exeter
Qualifications:
1993: BSc, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Imperial College.
1999: PhD, St. Mary's Hospital, Imperial College.
2011: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Career:
2023-Present: Associate Professor of Molecular Microbiology, Biosciences, University of Exeter
2012-2023: Senior Lecturer of Molecular Microbiology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter
2007-2012: Lecturer of Molecular Microbiology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter
2002-2007: Research Scientist at the Defence Science Technology Laboratories
1994-2002: Research Scientist at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency
