Diversity of metabolic profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from the airways of adult cystic fibrosis patients using the phenotypic microarray technique

In this application, studies are planned to assess the degree of metabolic differentiation in P. aeruginosa strains isolated from CF patients at different stages of the disease. This will allow the estimation of the relationship between the evolution of strains leading to the acquisition of multi-drug resistance, the mucus phenotype and the ability to create biofilm, and their metabolic properties, in relation to the ability to use specific carbon and nitrogen sources. The phenotypic microarray technique proposed for the research, due to the possibility of global and simultaneous analysis of the metabolism of various substrates, will allow the comparison of metabolic pathways in P. aeruginosa isolated from patients at various stages of CF. Confirmation of the research hypothesis regarding the specific relationships between the development of characteristic phenotypes of P. aeruginosa in patients chronically suffering from CF and the ability to metabolize certain carbon and nitrogen sources will be important not only for understanding the pathogenesis process itself, but may also open the perspective for the development of new drugs to fight these pathogenic microbes. In addition, the possibility of implementing the proposed research activity will have a significant impact on the scientific development of the Lead, and will enable the planning of further research related to the characteristics of these pathogenic strains, for the implementation of which the Lead will try to obtain funds from subsequent grants. The obtained results, enriched with the previously unpublished results of the preliminary research conducted in the Lead's research group, will most likely be published in a reputable scientific journal, which will also be of great importance for the Lead's scientific path. Additionally, the research cooperation established at IBB will provide the Lead with new skills and opportunities that she will be able to use in her further work.