Molecular Analyses of the Competence Regulatory Network in Streptococcus mutans

变形链球菌能力调节网络的分子分析

• 批准号: RGPIN-2014-06620
• 负责人: Li, YungHua
• 金额: $ 2.55万
• 依托单位: Dalhousie University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2015
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2015-01-01 至 2016-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=589121
• 关键词: Molecular; Analyses; Competence; Regulatory; Network

Development of competence for genetic transformation is the means by which bacteria are able to take up DNA from their environments. In this way, bacteria rapidly acquire novel genes or traits that may allow them to survive in harsh environments, make them resistant to antibiotics or become more virulent (able to cause diseases). The incorporation of exogenous DNA through transformation enable the bacteria to gain genetic variations, which is a major force to drive bacterial evolution. In addition, introduction of a genetically constructed DNA into a bacterial strain by genetic transformation is a widely used method in molecular cloning and other genetic manipulations in bacteria. Many bacteria are known to develop competence for genetic transformation. However, when bacteria develop competence to take up DNA and how this process is regulated are not fully understood. In the group of bacteria known as Streptococci, which tend to live on humans and animals, competence is known to be regulated by one of two signaling systems, the ComCDE and ComRS. Interestingly, Streptococcus mutans, a resident member in dental plaque, possesses both ComCDE and ComRS systems that are shown to regulate genetic competence. Recent work from our lab and from others further suggests that competence development in S. mutans and other related species is regulated at multiple levels, involving a complex regulatory network and multiple cross-connections among signalling transduction pathways. However, the molecular details of such a complex regulatory network is not fully elucidated. The proposed research aims to unravel this complex regulatory network in S. mutans. The results of this research will significantly advance our understanding of how bacteria to regulate their genetic plasticity, resist antibiotics and adapt to changing environments.

遗传转化能力的发展是细菌能够从其环境中获取 DNA 的手段。通过这种方式，细菌迅速获得新的基因或特征，使它们能够在恶劣的环境中生存，使它们对抗生素产生抗药性或变得更具毒性（能够引起疾病）。通过转化掺入外源DNA使细菌获得遗传变异，这是推动细菌进化的主要力量。此外，通过遗传转化将基因构建的DNA引入细菌菌株中是细菌分子克隆和其他遗传操作中广泛使用的方法。已知许多细菌具有遗传转化能力。然而，细菌何时发展出吸收 DNA 的能力以及如何调节这一过程尚不完全清楚。在被称为链球菌的细菌中，它们往往生活在人类和动物身上，众所周知，其能力是由两个信号系统之一（ComCDE 和 ComRS）调节的。有趣的是，牙菌斑中的常驻成员变形链球菌拥有 ComCDE 和 ComRS 系统，这些系统被证明可以调节遗传能力。我们实验室和其他实验室最近的工作进一步表明，变形链球菌和其他相关物种的能力发展受到多个层面的调控，涉及复杂的调控网络和信号转导途径之间的多重交叉连接。然而，如此复杂的调控网络的分子细节尚未完全阐明。拟议的研究旨在解开变形链球菌中这一复杂的调控网络。这项研究的结果将极大地增进我们对细菌如何调节其遗传可塑性、抵抗抗生素和适应不断变化的环境的理解。