Disease Modelling online seminar
Dear Disease Modelling Enthusiast,
Dear Colleagues,
We hereby invite you to the 35th Talk of the Disease Modelling online seminar series.
Speaker: Andrea Weisse, Biomedical Computation Group, University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Date: Wed 3 June 2026, 2 p.m. (CET)
Title: Heterogeneity in responses to ribosome-targeting antibiotics mediated by bacterial RNA repair
The ZOOM Link
https://mdc-berlin.zoom-x.de/j/68714994893?pwd=FVElQ6QEPJBE1d5azoiMfuU6AoCIma.1
Meeting ID: 687 1499 4893 Passcode: 150436
Abstract:
RNA repair is critical for cellular function. The Rtc system maintains RNA integrity within the translational machinery of bacteria. In E. coli, Rtc expression enables cells to rescue growth and survive treatment by conferring transient resistance to ribosome-targeting antibiotics, yet the mechanisms underpinning this resistance remain obscure. Here, we present a computational model of Rtc-regulated repair of translational RNAs. Integrating model predictions with experimental validations, we uncover notable cell-to-cell heterogeneity in rtc expression that impacts on translational capacity, indicating that rtc may induce a form of heteroresistance. We moreover identify Rtc targets that may reduce the translational capacity of cells and so potentiate antibiotic effects. Our findings elucidate a complex response underpinning resistance conferred by Rtc, offering alternate routes for addressing resistance in E. coli and other relevant pathogens.
The seminar series aims to introduce, discuss and compare different mathematical modeling approaches in the field of disease modelling and is open to PhD and master students, postdocs and group leaders in the modeling field.
More information on the seminar: Disease Modelling Online Seminar*
*Please note the new website
- Please forward this invitation to interested colleagues and students.
We look forward to your active participation!
Best regards,
Jana Wolf, Kevin Thurley
Venue
Virtual Meeting