Dr Melissa Webby

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick

Scientific Background

Research Interests

I joined the School of Life Sciences as a new Principal Investigator in July 2025. My passion lies in understanding bacteria, with a focus on combating antimicrobial resistance by uncovering how the protective outer shell, known as the cell envelope, is constructed. I am particularly fascinated by Gram-negative species and their complex three-layered envelope. As a protein biochemist and structural biologist, my lab isolates dynamic protein complexes to study their structure and interactions. By combining biochemical methods with fluorescence microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, and tomography, we investigate where these complexes assemble and how they cooperate to maintain the cell envelope’s integrity, which is a critical process for bacterial survival.

Research Groups

Microbiology & Infectious Disease

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: supportive, empowering, collaborative.

Provision of Training

Myself or other lab members will provide hands-on training in the early stages of the PhD to build strong technical foundations, to foster independence as soon as possible. I also support students in developing broader skills such as critical thinking, writing, and data interpretation.

Progression Monitoring and Management

We’ll have fortnightly lab meetings and in-person one-to-one check-ins, along with short monthly written reports to help keep projects progressing strategically. I’m committed to supporting you in achieving your research and career goals, but I rely on you to keep me in the loop so I can provide help when it’s most useful.

Communication

I’m typically available by email and have an open-door policy during work hours for informal chats or quick questions. While I may send emails outside normal hours, I don’t expect you to do the same. We also have a lab chat via Teams. I’m always happy to discuss anything affecting your ability to thrive in the lab and to offer career advice.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per fortnight. These meetings will be face-to-face. I am usually contactable for an instant response 3 or 4 days per week.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings) I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Previous Projects (2025-26)

Primary supervisor for:

Deciphering the interplay between biogenesis and maintenance of the bacterial cell envelope

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Deciphering the interplay between biogenesis and maintenance of the bacterial cell envelope

Secondary Supervisor(s): Professor David Roper

University of Registration: University of Warwick

BBSRC Strategic Research Priority: Understanding the Rules of Life (Microbiology, Structural Biology)

Project Outline

Antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria poses a major global health threat as evidenced by these species dominating the world health organisation’s critical list. These bacteria are responsible for a multitude of infections including, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, meningitis, and wound infections. A fundamental mechanism driving resistance in Gram-negative bacteria is the impermeability conferred by their robust cell envelope, which comprises an asymmetric proteolipid outer membrane, a peptidoglycan layer, and a cytoplasmic inner membrane. (Figure 1).

The maintenance of this multi-layered envelope is essential for bacterial viability. Key biological processes, such as gliding motility, antibiotic efflux, lipid secretion, membrane stabilisation, and nutrient import, are facilitated by dynamic multiprotein complexes that bridge these layers. These protein interactions create a critical linkage between the outer and inner membranes, enabling the coordination necessary for cellular function. Despite the importance of these envelope complexes, the molecular details of their assembly and the coordination of their roles remain poorly understood.

The lab is focused on elucidating the assembly and interactions of trans-envelope complexes, with a particular emphasis on understanding how these multiprotein systems synthesise and maintain the envelope structure during bacterial division. This cooperative functionality is crucial for preventing structural defects as cells undergo division. Specifically, this project will investigate how stabilisation of the outer membrane by the Tol-Pal complex^1-3 is coordinated with synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer by PG-synthase complexes.⁴ By addressing this aspect of envelope maintenance, we aim to reveal insights that could inform the development of drugs designed to destabilise the bacterial envelope.

To achieve these goals, we employ a suite of advanced methodologies, including cryo-electron tomography and fluorescence microscopy for cellular studies, complemented by structural, biophysical, and biochemical techniques to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms. This comprehensive approach allows us to build a detailed understanding of these essential processes.

The Webby lab offers extensive expertise in cryo-electron microscopy and the study of the Tol-Pal system, while the Roper lab provides world-renowned knowledge in peptidoglycan synthesis and structural analysis. Our collaborative and research-driven environment supports students in developing their projects and pursuing their specific interests. Additionally, our lab maintains strong collaborative ties with other leading research institutions, fostering a network of learning and discovery.

This project is ideal for students passionate about microbiology, antibiotic resistance, and biochemistry. Prospective students are encouraged to reach out for further discussion or to explore mini project opportunities (melissa.webby@bioch.ox.ac.uk).