Understanding interactions between Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia and Corynebacterium within the human nasal microbiota

Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae are leading human pathogens and also asymptomatically colonise the upper respiratory tract of more than 30% of humans. Corynebacterium species are abundant in the human nasal cavity. Several studies to date have identified antagonistic or synergistic relationships between bacteria but this has usually involved culture of bacteria under laboratory conditions or the use of animal models that do not reliably capitulate the environment of the human nasal cavity.

This exciting project aims to use innovative co-colonisation models to build a synthetic microbial community where all three species, or combinations thereof are cultured in an in vitro tissue model of the human nasal epithelium cultured at the air liquid interface to identify competitive interactions, or synergistic interactions that exist between the co-colonising species. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional laboratory cultures and animal models and will enhance our understanding of microbial interactions in the nasal cavity, potentially informing future treatments for infections caused Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

As a valued member of this innovative group, you will gain hands-on experience with a diverse array of advanced techniques and research approaches. You will benefit from Professor Joan Geoghegan's expertise in the study of Staphylococcus aureus and other staphylococci, Dr David Cleary's extensive expertise in the study of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Corynebacterium species, and collaborations with an extensive network of external partners.

Funding notes:

The project is offered through the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP) which is funded by a BBSRC Doctoral Landscape Award. Interested candidates are strongly advised to get in touch with the supervisors first.

Please apply at this link:

https://sits.bham.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=FR865D&code2=0004

References:

Brugger SD, Bomar L, Lemon KP (2016) Commensal–Pathogen Interactions along the Human Nasal Passages. PLoS Pathog 12(7): e1005633. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1005633.