Study into chromosome structure and gene expression AND Purification of transcriptional regulatory components of Group B Streptococcus

Bevan, Stephen (2013). Study into chromosome structure and gene expression AND Purification of transcriptional regulatory components of Group B Streptococcus. University of Birmingham. M.Res.

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Abstract

Bacterial Infections are responsible for many health issues. In combination with the increasing number of antibioticresistant strains, this area of microbiology has recently gained prominence. Much of this research has surrounded the expression and regulation of genes involved in bacterial virulence. This thesis reports the results of two projects associated with this facet of bacterial gene regulation.

The first project concentrated on the position of individual genes within the macrodomain structure of Escherichia coli DNA. A lacI-GFP fusion tagged to members of the mntR miniregulon has been used to image the genes’ positions with regards to their native location. The number of GFP foci exhibited following gene induction, indicated the differences in gene accessibility prior to expression.

The second project focused on Group B Streptococcus, a bacterium that affects considerable numbers of neonates and immuno-compromised elderly. The bacterium can convert between asymptomatic and invasive states when confronted with suitable hosts. This transformation in states is believed to be regulated by two-component systems. This study has purified one transcriptional regulator, covR, which has been proven to regulate two vitally important virulence factors. Further analysis has begun to elucidate how and where these transcriptional regulators bind to DNA and under what conditions.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Res.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Res.

Supervisor(s):