Exploiting natural products from Hops (Humulus lupulus) to suppress tuberculosis

Globally, tuberculosis (TB) kills three people every minute, equating to nearly 1.5 million deaths annually. Whilst, not yet perceived and an important treat to UK health, the rise of antibiotic resistant forms of TB represents an every growing threat to public health.

Hop acids derived from the female flowers from Hop (Humulus lupulus) are well-known to suppress TB but the precise bioactive components remain poorly defined. This PhD project will define precisely which active compounds within Hop acids are able to neutralise the TB bacterium; Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Targeted bioactive components will be synthesised by chemical means and different analogues generated. In order to develop structure function relationships the effect of particular derivatives on green fluorescence protein (GFP) tagged bacterial penetration of macrophage cultures will be assessed. Through collaboration with Ruddy team at Public Heath Wales analogues will also be screened against antibiotic resistant Mycobacterium.