School of Life Sciences

University of Dundee

College of Life Sciences

Short Code: 
CLS

Paul Wyatt looks back at his time in Dundee

Professor Paul Wyatt, Head of the Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Director of the Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research is leaving the University to take up a new role at Sitala Bio Ltd. Paul came to Dundee in 2006 to help establish the DDU from its inception, after it was created by Professor Mike Ferguson and Professor Alan Fairlamb. Since that time, the DDU has grown from a handful of members to an established 130 strong team with substantial capabilities to develop drugs for a wide number of diseases.

Study could help to defend humans and crops from yeast infection

Clues to the mechanism of yeast infections, which present risks to both humans and crops, have been identified. 

The study has focused on a family of proteins, known as Mep-Amt-Rh, which enable them to transport ammonium, a significant compound involved in growth and differentiation of yeasts.

Three proteins of the family are found in baker’s yeast but only one of these, Mep2, is capable of triggering filamentation, the process of cell growth which can lead to infection by pathogenic fungi. 

Mike Ferguson honoured by British Society for Parasitology

British Society for Parasitology has awarded Professor Sir Mike Ferguson with an Honorary Membership. This is in recognition of his impact in the field of Parasitology. 

“I am very honoured and grateful to receive this recognition form the BSP. It recognizes the work and creativity of many people who have spent time in my research team and have been our collaborators. This includes Dr Lucia Guther, my longest ever co-worker of 33 years, who has contributed so much to our team. I thank all for the privilege of sharing science with them,” said Mike. 

Pages