Uncovering Pseudomonas aeruginosa - Aspergillus fumigatus interactions that may facilitate pathogen development (360G-Wellcome-211793_Z_18_Z)

A wide range of bacterial and fungal pathogens colonise the lungs of CF patients. In this project, we will examine how two of these pathogens (P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus) interact together and determine whether this interaction has the potential to increase tissue damage in the host or to exacerbate the production of toxins by A. fumigatus. We aim to establish whether co-culturing P. aeruginosa with A. fumigatus induces an increase in the synthesis and secretion of the immunosuppressive toxin, gliotoxin. In parallel we will establish whether exposure to A. fumigatus induces an increase in the production of tissue degrading enzymes by P. aeruginosa. Using conditioned medium we will assess the effect on growth, and the proteome of A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa. Changes in the proteomic profile will be assessed using label free quantitative proteomics which will give an indication of the response of A. fumigatus or P. aeruginosa to each other. The results from this project will establish how A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa affect their respective toxin and tissue degrading enzyme production. It will establish the proteomic changes occurring in each pathogen and indicate how these might adversely affect the host’s immune response.