Brucella melitensis is an intracellular facultative Gram-negative, nonmotile bacterium that causes Brucellosis. The purpose of this work is to investigate the expression of flagellar machinery, and the function of flagellar-like genes recently identified in Brucella melitensis. B. melitensis flagellar gene homologues may encode proteins that form a flagellar type and/or type III secretion system which contributes to host colonization, intracellular survival of Brucella spp. and/or inhibit the host immune system. The major aims of this work are: 1) to generate knockouts of flagellar-related genes, 2) to perform gene complimentation of flagellar-like genes disrupted in B. melitensis, 3) to investigate the extent of infection using flagellar-related gene mutants of B. melitensis, and 4) to perform microarray analysis of the B. melitensis gene expression profile upon host infection focusing on the flagellar-like genes. The proposed studies will provide information on potential pathogenic mechanisms of B. melitensis and related organisms. Knowledge of the effector mechanisms involved in pathogenicity will allow us to develop target specific therapies (e.g. vaccines) and will shed light on potential pathways of immune modulation.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31GM067386-04
Application #
7362435
Study Section
Minority Programs Review Committee (MPRC)
Program Officer
Gaillard, Shawn R
Project Start
2003-01-01
Project End
2010-02-28
Budget Start
2008-03-01
Budget End
2010-02-28
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$43,016
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Veterinary Sciences
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
161202122
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715
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