Essential (and Dispensable) Genes in Escherichia Coli

这个项目利用TN5衍生的DNA转座系统来解决细菌基因组学中的几个基本问题。这些实验将定义在大肠杆菌K12基因组中必需、可有可无和条件必需基因的互补。这一努力将为研究未知功能基因的功能提供有力的工具。此外，大肠杆菌K12基因的含量将减少到在富含介质中有氧生长所需的最低限度。这将导致产生一种更适合新陈代谢建模的有机体。最后，这些技术将被用作研究体内染色体凝聚的工具。该项目除了基础科学发现外，还有广泛的影响。所采用的方法可用于研究任何适用于DNA电穿孔技术的细菌物种，因此可用于鉴定病原体在宿主生物体中生存所必需的功能。此外，以前在这项技术上的工作已经产生了一些专利，这些专利已经授权给一家生物技术供应公司。这些类型的实际发现将继续下去。最后，研究计划一直被用作本科生教育的载体，特别是对于代表性不足的少数族裔。这是通过让本科生积极参与研究项目来实现的。

This project utilizes Tn5 derived DNA transposition systems to address several fundamental questions in bacterial genomics. The experiments will define the compliment of essential, dispensable and conditionally essential genes in the Escherichia coli K12 genome. This effort will provide a powerful tool for studying the function of genes of unknown function. In addition the E. coli K12 gene content will be reduced to the minimal necessary for survival for aerobic growth in rich medium. This will result in the generation of an organism that is more amenable to metabolic modeling. Finally, the techniques will be used as a tool for studying in vivo chromosome condensation. The project has broad impacts beyond basic science discoveries. The methodologies to be employed can be used to study any bacterial species amenable to DNA electroporation technology and thus can be used, for instance to identify functions necessary for pathogen survival in host organisms. In addition, previous work on this technology has resulted in the generation of a number of patents that have been licensed to a biotechnology supply company. These types of practical discoveries will continue. Finally, the research program has always been used as a vehicle for undergraduate education especially in regards to underrepresented minorities. This has been accomplished by having undergraduates as active participants in the research projects.