Dr Mark Jepson
B.Sc.(N'cle), Ph.D.(Birm.)
Current positions
Reader in Cell Biology
Life Sciences Faculty Office
Contact
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Research interests
Molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions
The virulence of pathogenic bacteria relies on their ability to induce signals within host cells to alter their behaviour. This can involve surface expression of proteins, secretion of toxins or, in some of the most interesting examples, direct transfer of proteins by bacteria into host cells. My group has mainly focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying the cross-talk between pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and epithelial cells. Through collaborations we have also extended our research interests to encompass other pathogns including Campylobacter, Streptococci and EHEC. Specific areas of interest include: 1) understanding how bacteria modulate the actin cytoskeleton and intracellular trafficking; 2) understanding how bacteria alter epithelial permeability; 3) defining the role of particle-transporting epithelial cells (M cells) in bacterial infection; 4) applying cell imaging techniques to the study of microbial pathogenesis; 5) analysing inter-species interactions in biofilm formation.
Nanoparticle uptake and toxicity in epithelial models
In recent years the growth in nanotechnology has raised interest in understanding how nanoparticles intract with epithelial cells, both in the context of nanodelivery and to understand potential routes for inadvertent uptake and toxicity of nanoparticles. Our research in this field has primarily used gut epithelial models and through collaborations investigated additional biological barriers and systems to investigate mechanisms of uptake and toxicity of a range of nanoparticles.
Projects and supervisions
Research projects
ASSESSING HUMAN EXPOSURE, UPTAKE AND TOXICITY OF NANOPARTICLES FROM CONTAMINATED ENVIRONMENTS
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
School of BiochemistryDates
01/09/2007 to 01/03/2009
ANALYSIS OF SALMONELLA INFECTION OF INTESTINAL M CELLS
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
School of BiochemistryDates
01/06/2004 to 01/12/2007
Thesis supervisions
Molecular basis of Streptococcus gordonii biofilm formation and eDNA release
Supervisors
Study of polymeric micelles as a drug delivery system for carrier internalisation and cargo release in epithelial cell barriers
Supervisors
Deep Learning Methods for Biological Image Translation and Registration
Supervisors
Publications
Recent publications
28/03/2023Correction: Back et al. A New Micromonospora Strain with Antibiotic Activity Isolated from the Microbiome of a Mid-Atlantic Deep-Sea Sponge. Mar. Drugs 2021, 19, 105
Marine Drugs
Ultrasound modulates neuronal potassium currents via ionotropic glutamate receptors
Brain Stimulation
PDIA3/ERp57 promotes a matrix-rich secretome that stimulates fibroblast adhesion through CCN2
American journal of physiology. Cell physiology
Quantification of Extracellular DNA Network Abundance and Architecture within Streptococcus gordonii Biofilms Reveals Modulatory Factors
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
A New Micromonospora Strain with Antibiotic Activity Isolated from the Microbiome of a Mid-Atlantic Deep-Sea Sponge
Marine Drugs