Professor Andy Lovering

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

We use structural methods to discover new biology in the predator Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus (an unusual bacterium that invades and eats other bacteria from the inside). We take on a variety of projects, but typical areas may include:

Invasion – how are prey cells recognized, and how do predators breach the outer membrane? This is a multifactorial process – no acquired/developed resistance to predation has ever been observed (in contrast to bacteriophages and their receptors, which are subject to a relatively rapid development of resistance).

Key publication from lab: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-023-01552-2

Membrane protein complexity – Bdellovibrio and other undercharacterized bacteria have interesting lifestyles whose function requires membrane proteins that deviate from the templates seen in E. coli and other model organisms. We are very interested in how evolution has shaped these, often breaking established rules and expectations.

Key publication from lab: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61633-0

Signalling – what are the stimuli that govern switching between the different lifecycle stages (swim > recognition > adhere > enter > metabolize > divide > exit)? Some of these pathways utilize the second messenger cyclic-di-GMP (common to many bacteria, but used herein to regulate predation).

Key publication from lab: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-12051-6

Effectors – predators are very distinct, using a swathe of specialized enzymes to manipulate and assimilate prey. This area is very broad and includes turning a dead cell into a temporary home, incorporating host membranes, breaking down ribosomes, and even signalling to kin that you’re inside and they should find a different cell to invade!

Key publication from lab: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-18139-8

Research Groups

Structural and Molecular Cell Biology

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Encouraging, enthusiastic, aim to inspire.

Provision of Training

We aim to provide training that allows a full grasp of the path from gene to structure to function; students become proficient at structural biology, with additional skills that can be project-specific (e.g. assays for enzymatic projects, protein complexes for signalling projects, investigative biochemistry for projects of novel function).

Progression Monitoring and Management

I expect the group to support, develop and converse as a team, and to take interest in the breadth of what we study. Management comes from me as team lead, and progression results from a combination of self-drive and co-operative decision making.

Communication

This is largely at the students discretion, in the style that suits them best. As a group, we do a lot of idea/result discussion as informal conversation, and hold more standard one-on-one meetings if there is more intricate planning to be done. Science is ultimately a mixture of fun (new results) within the context of something more formal (student career progression), and we aim to keep a good balance throughout.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per fortnight

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

These meetings will be mainly face to face, and I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Working Pattern

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Co-supervisor on projects with