Biochemical and imaging studies on type III secretion mechanisms

项目摘要-这项研究的目的是了解细菌如何使用一种称为III型分泌系统的专门分泌装置作为寄主动物定居的一种方式的机制。这个分泌系统将数十种细菌蛋白质直接注入宿主细胞，这样细菌就可以利用这些细胞进行生长。禁用分泌系统会使细菌无法在宿主上定居，因此在分子水平上了解这个系统是如何工作的很重要。我们研究污染加拿大食物和水供应的细菌的III型分泌系统，以及生活在动物中的有益细菌，以了解细胞生物学和细菌生态学的基本方面。我们的重点一直是被称为伴侣的特殊细菌蛋白质，我们认为这种蛋白质有助于III型分泌系统的正常运作。 影响和结果--III型分泌系统是细菌世界中广泛存在的定植因素。这项研究将对细菌定植产生影响的一些领域产生积极影响，包括食品和水安全、了解驯养食用动物中的共生细菌以及细菌定植对宿主生存至关重要的互惠关系。这些都是加拿大和国外的重要知识领域。该研究项目为各级生物化学实习生提供了学习生命科学尖端技术的绝佳机会，使他们掌握了未来在科学领域取得进步的适销对路的高科技技能，无论是在学术界、政府部门还是私营部门。

Project Summary - The aim of this research is to understand the mechanisms of how bacteria use a specialized secretion apparatus called the type III secretion system as a way to colonize host animals. This secretion system injects dozens of bacterial proteins directly into host cells so that the bacteria can use these cells for their growth. Disabling the secretion system renders the bacteria unable to colonize their hosts and so understanding how this system works at a molecular level is important. We study type III secretion systems in bacteria that contaminate food and water supplies in Canada, as well as helpful bacteria that live in animals, in order to understand fundamental aspects of cell biology and bacterial ecology. Our focus has been on specialized bacterial proteins called chaperones that we believe help the type III secretion system function properly. Impact and Outcomes - The type III secretion system is a widespread colonization factor in the bacterial world. This research will positively influence a number of areas where bacterial colonization has impact, including food and water safety, understanding commensal bacteria in domesticated food animals, and mutualism where bacterial colonization is essential for host survival. These are important knowledge areas for Canada and abroad. This research program is an outstanding opportunity for biochemistry trainees at all levels to learn cutting-edge technologies in the life sciences, leaving them with marketable high-tech skills for future advancement in the sciences, whether in academia, government, or private sectors.