Study of the action of Pseudomonas aeruginosa secretion systems and their effectors in co-cultures with Aspergillus fumigatus

• Grant number: 23/09812-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2023
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Biochemistry of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Regina Lúcia Baldini
• Grantee: Isabella Lourenço
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/10577-0 - Biology of Bacteria and Bacteriophages Research Center, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health concern, and the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms represents a significant threat. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a gamma-proteobacterium known for its ability to develop antibiotic resistance and cause nosocomial infections. Patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) are susceptible to respiratory infections, caused by the co-colonization of PA and Aspergillus fumigatus (AF), which are associated with a rapid decline in lung function. PA secretion systems play a crucial role in pathogenicity and microbial competition; however, little is known about their direct influence in the presence of AF. To study this interaction, transposon insertion mutants of core secretion system-associated genes (Type I-VI) will be used. Additionally, other mutants available for genes of interest will be evaluated to gain a better understanding of this interaction. This project aims to investigate the interaction between PA and AF in co-culture, focusing on the impact of PA secretion systems on the competition between the two microorganisms.