Prof. Miguel Valvano
Principal Investigator and Recruitment and Training Coordinator
Organisation/Institute: Queen’s University Belfast
Email: m.valvano@qub.ac.uk
Supervisor of ESR 2
Prof. Miguel Valvano established a world-class programme on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biogenesis and the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of opportunistic bacteria (see publications here).
His research has advanced the mechanistic of the biologically conserved processes involved in LPS O-antigen assembly and protein glycosylation in bacteria.
Furthermore, his group has performed pioneering research establishing the intracellular survival of opportunistic bacteria, such as members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), and, in particular, demonstrating the role of the type VI secretion system is these bacteria to secrete an effector toxin that disarms Rho GTPases and induces inflammation via the pyrin inflammasome pathway.
His research in Burkholderia also resulted in major contributions to increase our understanding of the molecular basis of intrinsic antimicrobial resistance.
Several of his trainees have gone on to become faculty members in prestigious universities across Canada, US, Mexico, Chile, United Arab Emirates, while others occupy important posts in biotechnology (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Genentech, etc.).
He was awarded the 2017 Queen's University PhD Supervisor Award of Excellence.