Investigating the function and expression of frequently transferred genes in bacterial genomes

研究细菌基因组中频繁转移基因的功能和表达

• 批准号: 387162-2010
• 负责人: Boucher, Yan
• 金额: $ 2.33万
• 依托单位: University of Alberta
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2013
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2013-01-01 至 2014-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=529078
• 关键词: Investigating; function; expression; frequently; transferred

Integrons are genetic elements discovered through their prominent role in the emergence and dissemination of multiple antibiotic resistances in the environment. They are rapidly-evolving "hot-spots" in genomes, allowing bacteria to gain and loose genes very rapidly. This project aims at understanding what functions are performed by genes associated with integrons and what triggers their activity. For that purpose, we use the integrons of Vibrio as a model system. Vibrio are abundant bacteria in the marine environment, playing a significant role in natural ecosystems and a devastating role in pathogenesis of humans and marine animals. Among the most notable is Vibrio cholerae, perhaps one of the worst pathogens in human history, responsible for numerous pandemics causing hundreds of thousands of death. Vibrios also cause disease in fish and prawns, resulting in significant economic loss for the aquaculture sector and bleaching of some corals - threatening one of the richest ecosystems on earth. Understanding how the most variable part of their genome contributes to their adaptability is critical to managing and containing these organisms.

整合子是通过其在环境中多种抗生素耐药性的出现和传播中的突出作用而发现的遗传元件。 它们是基因组中快速进化的“热点”，使细菌能够非常迅速地获得和释放基因。 该项目旨在了解与整合子相关的基因执行哪些功能，以及是什么触发了它们的活性。 为此，我们使用弧菌的整合子作为模型系统。弧菌是海洋环境中大量存在的细菌，在自然生态系统中起着重要作用，对人类和海洋动物的致病性具有破坏性作用。 其中最值得注意的是霍乱弧菌，它可能是人类历史上最严重的病原体之一，造成了许多大流行病，造成数十万人死亡。 弧菌还会导致鱼类和对虾的疾病，给水产养殖部门造成重大经济损失，并使一些珊瑚白化，威胁着地球上最丰富的生态系统之一。了解它们基因组中最可变的部分如何有助于它们的适应性，对于管理和控制这些生物至关重要。