Air pollution is the world’s largest single environmental health risk, being responsible for an eighth of all global deaths per year (World Health Organisation, 2017). Particulate matter (PM), a key component of air pollution, is strongly associated with exacerbation of chronic respiratory disease such as COPD and asthma, and adverse effects with chronic skin diseases. There is also an association with increased infectious disease, including community acquired pneumonia, infection of cystic fibrosis patients, otitis media and chronic rhinosinusitis. However, until very recently, how PM directly affects respiratory bacteria has received no attention, which is surprising considering the importance of these bacteria in maintaining health and as pathogens.
Our studies showed that exposure to PM alters Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus respiratory tract colonisation and induces changes in biofilm formation and importantly altered the tolerance of biofilms to antibiotics (Hussey et al., 201).
Our recent data show that PM also alters the interaction of S. aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis, key pathogens in the exacerbation of COPD, adhesion and invasion of human epithelial cells, impacts epithelial cell integrity and modifies the immune response. Our transcriptional data show that PM directly alters bacterial global gene expression significantly increasing the risk of host colonisation and evasion of the immune system.
Therefore, the aim of this project is to further explore this novel mechanism of air pollution and determine how PM affects bacterial infection. This project will increase our understanding of how air pollution causes increased infectious disease and exacerbates chronic respiratory disease.
Objectives are:
1. Establish the molecular mechanisms involved in the PM-responsive regulation of virulence factors.
2. Determine the importance of PM-regulated metabolic pathways in
(a) infection and antimicrobial resistance
(b) survival against human innate immunity.
Research plan.
This project will focus on respiratory bacteria associated with community acquired pneumonia or skin infection, or changes in COPD severity. The interplay between bacteria, host and air pollution will be investigated using molecular microbiology, transcriptional analysis, tissue cell culture, flow cytometry and advanced imaging microscopy techniques. This is an exciting, inter-disciplinary project with healthcare implications. The student will benefit from clinical data on the impact of air pollution on microbial communities, clinical samples and project related investigations with respiratory and infectious disease clinicians.
Entry requirements:
• Those who have a 1st or a 2.1 undergraduate degree in a relevant field are eligible.
• Evidence of quantitative training is required. For example, AS or A level Maths, IB Standard or Higher Maths, or university level maths/statistics course.
• Those who have a 2.2 and an additional Masters degree in a relevant field may be eligible.
• Those who have a 2.2 and at least three years post-graduate experience in a relevant field may be eligible.
• Those with degrees abroad (perhaps as well as postgraduate experience) may be eligible if their qualifications are deemed equivalent to any of the above
• University English language requirements apply. https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/entry-reqs/eng-lang-reqs/ielts-65
Application advice:
Application enquiries to [Email Address Removed]
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