The POPS Project
ANR project 24-CE44-1190
Deciphering the role of polyamines in bacterial virulence and chronic infections
POPS investigates how polyamine metabolism shapes Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence, chronic respiratory infections, and interactions with Staphylococcus aureus.
The POPS project aims to unravel the role of polyamines in bacterial virulence, particularly in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) and its interactions with Staphylococcus aureus (Sa).
Recent findings indicate that high polyamine levels correlate with increased Pa virulence and respiratory instability in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. To establish a causal link, the project will use multi-omics approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) across four work packages (WPs).
Infection biology
Test how polyamines influence growth, biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and virulence in respiratory pathogens.
Multi-omics
Combine transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to connect molecular changes with infection phenotypes.
Modeling and evolution
Use metabolomics networks and comparative pathway analysis to identify conserved and context-specific mechanisms.
Work Packages
Polyamines play essential but complex roles in bacterial physiology, affecting growth, antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and virulence. Given Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus’ impact on CF and COPD patients, understanding polyamine regulation could provide new therapeutic targets against chronic infections and antibiotic resistance.