BE/GEN-EN: Elucidating Mechanisms Responsible for the Persistence of Microorganisms in Drinking Water Distribution Systems via DNA Microarray Technology

0412618 Raskin尽管存在消毒剂残留物，但在饮用水分配系统中观察到管道表面微生物的生长和生物膜的形成。由于可能存在致病物种，这是一个公共卫生问题。该项目建议使用基于基因组的DNA微阵列来检测基因表达模式，以研究在消毒残留物存在的情况下微生物持续存在的机制。具体地说，这项工作将：(1)开发一种应用DNA微阵列技术来研究环境微生物群落中特定微生物基因组反应的方法；(2)调查纯培养和模拟分配系统复杂群落中的大肠杆菌和禽分枝杆菌的全基因组转录谱；(3)分析这些表达谱以确定消毒剂暴露的反应特征；(4)表征选定的基因在饮用水分配系统中对消毒剂的抗性和生存中的作用。根据该项目，每年将培训三名研究生和两名本科生。此外，还将为初中和高中教师举办讲习班。

0412618 RaskinGrowth of microorganisms and formation of biofilms on pipe surfaces is observed in drinking water distribution systems despite the presence of disinfectant residuals. Because of the possible presence of pathogenic species, this represents a public health concern. This project proposes to investigate the mechanism of microorganism persistence in the presence of disinfection residuals using genome-based DNA micro-arrays to examine gene expression patterns. Specifically, the work will: (1) Develop a method for the application of DNA micro-array technology for the study of specific microbial genome responses in environmental microbial communities, (2) Investigate whole genome transcription profiles of Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium avium in pure culture, and in the complex communities of a simulated distribution system, (3) Analyze these expression profiles to identify a pattern of responses characteristic of disinfectant exposure, (4) Characterize the role of selected genes in resistance to disinfectants and survival in drinking water distribution systems.The educational plan for this project is well documented. Three graduate students and two undergraduates per year will be trained under this project. In addition, workshops for middle and high school teachers will be developed.