Abstract
The aim of the experiment was to delete the polyphosphate kinase (PPK) gene of the bacteria, Yersinia enterocolitica. Y. enterocolitica is one of three Yersinia spp. that are pathogenic to humans. Y. enterocolitica secretes toxic proteins out of needle-like structures found on its cell surface; these structures and the flagella of the bacteria are assembled by the same process. Diseases caused by pathogenic Yersinia spp. range from gastrointestinal diseases to bubonic plaque; Y. enterocolitica is the causative agent of gastrointestinal diseases. PPK is a ubiquitous enzyme that has been identified as a factor in the motility and virulence of a considerable number of pathogenic bacteria, but its role in the virulence of Y. enterocolitica remains undetermined. The goal will be to create Y. enterocolitica strains that lack the PPK gene by using λ Red-mediated gene replacement. Establishing a connection between PPK and the motility of Y. enterocolitica could lead to a better understanding of how this bacteria causes disease.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Julie Torruellas Garcia
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-13-2012 1:00 PM
End Date
4-13-2012 5:30 PM
Development of the Removal of Polyphosphate Kinase Gene in Yersinia enterocolitica
Alvin Sherman Library
The aim of the experiment was to delete the polyphosphate kinase (PPK) gene of the bacteria, Yersinia enterocolitica. Y. enterocolitica is one of three Yersinia spp. that are pathogenic to humans. Y. enterocolitica secretes toxic proteins out of needle-like structures found on its cell surface; these structures and the flagella of the bacteria are assembled by the same process. Diseases caused by pathogenic Yersinia spp. range from gastrointestinal diseases to bubonic plaque; Y. enterocolitica is the causative agent of gastrointestinal diseases. PPK is a ubiquitous enzyme that has been identified as a factor in the motility and virulence of a considerable number of pathogenic bacteria, but its role in the virulence of Y. enterocolitica remains undetermined. The goal will be to create Y. enterocolitica strains that lack the PPK gene by using λ Red-mediated gene replacement. Establishing a connection between PPK and the motility of Y. enterocolitica could lead to a better understanding of how this bacteria causes disease.
