Selection of Bacteriophages for Therapeutic Use in Cystic Fibrosis-Associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections
Dr Andrew Millard, Prof M Clokie Wednesday, November 27, 2024 Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide) Cystic fibrosis is one of the UK's most common life-limiting inherited diseases, affecting over 10,000 people. The condition causes mucus to build up in the internal organs, especially the lungs, leading to chronic chest infections and lung inflammation. One of the most common bacteria associated with chronic infection in people with cystic fibrosis is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chronic infections necessitate multiple treatments with antibiotics, which can result in antimicrobial resistance. An alternative to antibiotics is the use of bacteriophages (phages), viruses that specifically infect bacteria, to treat bacterial infections. The effective use of phage therapy relies on large collections (biobanks) of well-characterised phages suitable for therapeutic use. The project will be based at the University of Leicester Centre for Phage, building on the existing biobank infrastructure to further develop phages against Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with cystic fibrosis. The project aims to develop a robust collection of P. aeruginosa phages that will be phenotypically and genomically characterised. This work is part of a wider Innovation Hub, led by researchers at the University of Liverpool and funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. The overall aim of the project is to develop a robust collection of phages against Pseudomonas aeruginosa for potential therapeutic use. The objectives of the project are to: Phenotypically characterise phages in terms of their pH tolerance, host range, stability at different temperatures, and virulence. Genomically characterise phages in terms of their gene content and genomic structure. Utilise the genomic and phenotypic data to identify genomic features of phages that make them “good” candidates for phage therapy. Optimise biobanking methodology for high-quality, reproducible storage and a library that can be accessed for compassionate use and product development. Work with NISBC to further develop a bacteriophage sequencing standard to allow monitoring of pipelines during bacteriophage product development. Training will be provided in the isolation and characterisation of bacteriophages, including both wet lab and bioinformatic analysis. The studentship is funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and provides: 3.5 years UK fee waiver 3.5 years stipend International applicants are welcome to apply but
must
be able to demonstrate they can fund the difference between UK and overseas fees for the duration of their study. This will amount to £18,864 per year of study (as at 2024/25).
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Dr Andrew Millard, Prof M Clokie Wednesday, November 27, 2024 Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide) Cystic fibrosis is one of the UK's most common life-limiting inherited diseases, affecting over 10,000 people. The condition causes mucus to build up in the internal organs, especially the lungs, leading to chronic chest infections and lung inflammation. One of the most common bacteria associated with chronic infection in people with cystic fibrosis is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chronic infections necessitate multiple treatments with antibiotics, which can result in antimicrobial resistance. An alternative to antibiotics is the use of bacteriophages (phages), viruses that specifically infect bacteria, to treat bacterial infections. The effective use of phage therapy relies on large collections (biobanks) of well-characterised phages suitable for therapeutic use. The project will be based at the University of Leicester Centre for Phage, building on the existing biobank infrastructure to further develop phages against Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with cystic fibrosis. The project aims to develop a robust collection of P. aeruginosa phages that will be phenotypically and genomically characterised. This work is part of a wider Innovation Hub, led by researchers at the University of Liverpool and funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. The overall aim of the project is to develop a robust collection of phages against Pseudomonas aeruginosa for potential therapeutic use. The objectives of the project are to: Phenotypically characterise phages in terms of their pH tolerance, host range, stability at different temperatures, and virulence. Genomically characterise phages in terms of their gene content and genomic structure. Utilise the genomic and phenotypic data to identify genomic features of phages that make them “good” candidates for phage therapy. Optimise biobanking methodology for high-quality, reproducible storage and a library that can be accessed for compassionate use and product development. Work with NISBC to further develop a bacteriophage sequencing standard to allow monitoring of pipelines during bacteriophage product development. Training will be provided in the isolation and characterisation of bacteriophages, including both wet lab and bioinformatic analysis. The studentship is funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and provides: 3.5 years UK fee waiver 3.5 years stipend International applicants are welcome to apply but
must
be able to demonstrate they can fund the difference between UK and overseas fees for the duration of their study. This will amount to £18,864 per year of study (as at 2024/25).
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