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

[04:12618]在饮用水分配系统中，尽管存在消毒剂残留，但仍观察到管道表面微生物的生长和生物膜的形成。由于可能存在致病性物种，这是一个公共卫生问题。本项目拟利用基于基因组的DNA微阵列检测基因表达模式来研究微生物在消毒残留物存在下的持久性机制。具体来说，这项工作将：(1)开发一种应用DNA微阵列技术研究环境微生物群落中特定微生物基因组反应的方法；(2)在纯培养和模拟分布系统的复杂群落中研究大肠杆菌和鸟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特征反应模式；(4)确定选定基因在饮用水分配系统中对消毒剂的抗性和存活中的作用。这个项目的教育计划有很好的文件。本项目每年将培养3名研究生和2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.