Student Scholars Day

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.