The Molecules and Pathways Theme has broad interests which address many aspects of the fundamental molecular properties of biological phenomena.

These range from the molecular structural biology of metallo-enzymes, through to the role of lipids in the pathogenic properties of trypanosomes.

Three research groups exist within the theme:

The organisms under study are, for the most part, microbial in nature but the outcomes of the work have wider resonance in broader aspects of the biological sciences. Our studies benefit greatly by collaborations with other Schools within UEA and other Institutions in the Norwich Research Park. These include studies on the role of different microbial respiratory pathways in diseases caused by Salmonella (with the Institute of Food Research) and the analysis of gene expression in the antibiotic-producing bacterium Streptomyces. Indeed, several members of this research Theme are in the School of Medicine, but work alongside staff in the School of Biological Sciences in the new Biomedical Research Centre at UEA.

Working in excellent, modern laboratories, we have a wide portfolio of modern research facilities, which include CLIII containment labs, a fermentor suite to grow bacteria under highly controlled conditions, the Henry Wellcome Cell Imaging Suite for live and fixed cell imaging, and access to a battery of spectroscopic tools.

Funding comes from various sources, with BBSRC being a major contributor to our research.