Project description
Tracing the evolution of viral resistance in bacteria
While bacteria and their viral parasites are locked in constant evolutionary conflict, the genetic elements they exchange can reshape how resistance spreads. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ProSAR project investigates how prophages (viral elements integrated into bacterial genomes) shape antiviral defence in the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Although often parasitic, prophages can provide their hosts with genes that protect against infection by other phages. The project will develop a multiplexed fluorescence approach to track how protective prophages spread within bacterial populations under viral pressure. Experimental evolution and mathematical modelling will be used to understand whether virulent phages can evolve to overcome it. Overall, the findings could help improve the effectiveness of future phage-based therapies.
Objective
Most bacteria carry chromosomally integrated viral mobile genetic elements – prophages. Although parasitic, prophages can benefit their host via genes with systems to defend the host from infection by other phages. How does conflict between these phages shape the evolution and the spread of the defensive genes?
I aim to study how prophage-mediated anti-viral defence spreads through populations of the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Preliminary data shows that prophages can provide hosts with different profiles of resistance against virulent (non-integrating) phages. I will first identify the genetic bases of these defences and how they act, then establish a novel multiplexed fluorescence-based system to follow the vertical selection and horizontal transmission of defensive prophages, in the presence of virulent phages. This dynamic system will provide the basis for establishing, in collaboration, a more generalisable mathematical model of prophage spread in bacterial population. Finally, I will use evolution experiments to determine if and how virulent phages can mutate to escape this resistance. This project will advance our knowledge as to what extend the myriads of prophages residing in bacterial genomes may alter phage resistance phenotypes of their hosts and drive the horizontal propagation of defensive genes to new hosts. This study is pertinent to clinical applications of phages as the spread of prophage-encoded defence systems could undermine the outcomes of phage-based therapies.
This multidisciplinary project integrates my expertise in genetic engineering and experimental evolution with that of the host lab in phage molecular biology and ecology. A strong dissemination and communication plan will ensure relevant stakeholders – policy makers, clinicians, and scientific audiences – have access to key findings. Working within the CNRS gives me access to high quality equipment, collaborations and training to propel my career as an independent research.
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
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology virology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy drug resistance multidrug resistance
- natural sciences mathematics applied mathematics mathematical model
- natural sciences biological sciences molecular biology
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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)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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.
Funding Scheme
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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-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
75794 Paris
France
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