Virus-mediated Gene Transfer

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This research program is aimed at understanding the role that viruses play in the movement of genetic material between cells. This genetic exchange has significant consequences because it is a major mechanism by which bacteria change their genetic makeup. This has big picture implications for evolution of life on earth, but also in specific cases such as development of novel virulence properties by human pathogens. To study the movement of DNA between cells by viruses, we study a specific model system, the Gene Transfer Agent (GTA) of Rhodobacter capsulatus. This model is amenable to many essential molecular genetic techniques, facilitating this research and making it a suitable microbiological study system. The short-term objectives of this research are to characterize how one virus-like gene transfer system functions, and to assess the prevalence of this and related systems in natural environments. Understanding how this one GTA functions is an important and realistic step towards determining the importance of GTA- mediated gene transfer within the scope of DNA movements between cells, which is the long-term goal of this research. This research uses modern techniques in the areas of microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. The knowledge gained from the study of this specific system falls within the general category of bacterial genetics, but the research aims to ultimately address the larger global involvement of viruses in gene flow. This research is original and innovative and will have impact by contributing to advances in our understanding of microbial genetics, diversity and evolution. It will also benefit Canada through the training of students and scientists who can then use their training for careers in health sciences, industry, or academia.