Project description
Free-living amoebae and their role in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes
The One Health approach identifies antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a critical global threat. Aquatic environments affected by human activities serve as hotspots for the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), primarily through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) mediated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Free-living amoebae (FLAs) may act both as predators of bacteria and as protective hosts for pathogens, potentially facilitating the spread of ARGs. However, understanding of FLAs’ role in this dissemination remains limited. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the FLUXARG project will investigate FLAs as reservoirs, transmission vectors for ARGs and hotspot for HGT in aquatic environments. The findings will support the development of novel strategies to combat this emerging threat.
Objective
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global threat and a major public health priority under the “One Health” approach. In particular, Aquatic environments affected by anthropogenic activities, represent a huge reservoir and potential hotspot for the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), potentially via horizontal gene transfer (HGT) involving mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Current data suggests that free-living amoebae (FLA), which are often underestimated, could play a potential key role in the spread of AMR. FLA not only act as natural predators of bacteria but also serve as protective hosts for various pathogens, enhancing their survival and potential for HGT. Previous studies have shown that FLA are reservoirs for pathogenic bacteria and ARGs of major clinical interest. However, their exact role in the ARGs dissemination via HGT and the involvement of MGEs in this process remains poorly explored. The project FLUXARG aims to further investigate the role of amoebae as reservoirs of ARGs and their contribution to the transmission of ARGs in aquatic environments. By studying HGT between bacteria living in amoebae, we aim to understand how ARGs are spread in aquatic environments via FLA. In addition, FLUXARG will investigate the effect of abiotic factors, such as physicochemical parameters during seasonal variations, on the efficiency of HGT between intra-amoebic bacteria. In parallel, FLUXARG will assess how these interactions shape the composition and diversity of aquatic and amoebic microbiomes, leading to a better understanding of their ecological importance. To achieve these objectives, in FLUXARG, I will employ culture assays, high-throughput genomic and metagenomic techniques, and experimental microcosms to mimicking environmental conditions. The results will lead to a better understanding of the role of FLA in the persistence and spread of AMR, potentially guiding the development of effective strategies to mitigate this growing threat.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology bacteriology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy drug resistance antibiotic resistance
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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69622 Villeurbanne Cedex
France
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