The Effect of Gene Mutations on Biofilm Formation in E. Coli
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Biomedical Sciences
Mentor Information
M. Aaron Baxter
Department
Biomedical Sciences
Location
Kirkhof Center KC24
Start Date
10-4-2013 12:00 PM
End Date
10-4-2013 1:00 PM
Keywords
Health, Life Science
Abstract
Escherichia coli, a Gram-negative bacterium is a common commensal found within the gastrointestinal tract of animals. Occasionally this bacterium can acquire additional virulence factors that lead to a variety of gastroenteritis in humans. In either situation, but particularly as a commensal, it is integral that the organism establish itself in the environment. Commonly this is through the formation of biofilms. Previous work was done to determine genes that are important for biofilm synthesis. In this work, researchers identified 110 genes responsible for biofilm formation in an aerobic environment. Our interest is in the impact that low oxygen conditions play in biofilm formation, since this is the common environment E. coli is located. Using the Tn5 transposon we are randomly creating mutations within the genome of the bacterium. Utilizing a biofilm formation assay, we will determine the impact on each of these mutations during aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
The Effect of Gene Mutations on Biofilm Formation in E. Coli
Kirkhof Center KC24
Escherichia coli, a Gram-negative bacterium is a common commensal found within the gastrointestinal tract of animals. Occasionally this bacterium can acquire additional virulence factors that lead to a variety of gastroenteritis in humans. In either situation, but particularly as a commensal, it is integral that the organism establish itself in the environment. Commonly this is through the formation of biofilms. Previous work was done to determine genes that are important for biofilm synthesis. In this work, researchers identified 110 genes responsible for biofilm formation in an aerobic environment. Our interest is in the impact that low oxygen conditions play in biofilm formation, since this is the common environment E. coli is located. Using the Tn5 transposon we are randomly creating mutations within the genome of the bacterium. Utilizing a biofilm formation assay, we will determine the impact on each of these mutations during aerobic and anaerobic conditions.