While evidence suggests that plasmid encoded proteins are key in understanding the host-pathogen interaction in Borrelia infections, the functions for most of these proteins remain undefined. Since the plasmid carried genes are largely unique to the Borrelia, it is likely that they hold the key to understanding the unique attributes of Borrelia biology and pathogenesis. The bdr gene family is a large, polymorphic, plasmid carried gene family carried and expressed by all species of the genus. In Borrelia burgdorferi B31MI the gene family contains 18 members distributed among the linear and circular plasmids. We have demonstrated that the Bdr proteins are organized into distinct sub-families, are associated with the inner membrane, and are differentially expressed in response to environmental conditions. In this application we present a strategy for defining the expression patterns of the Bdr proteins in different environments, elucidating the mechanisms involved in their regulation, and for testing the effects of Bdr gene inactivation on Borrelia pathogenesis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI051586-02
Application #
6623414
Study Section
Bacteriology and Mycology Subcommittee 2 (BM)
Program Officer
Baker, Phillip J
Project Start
2002-03-15
Project End
2007-02-28
Budget Start
2003-03-01
Budget End
2004-02-29
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$327,100
Indirect Cost
Name
Virginia Commonwealth University
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
105300446
City
Richmond
State
VA
Country
United States
Zip Code
23298
Zhang, Hongming; Raji, Abayami; Theisen, Michael et al. (2005) bdrF2 of Lyme disease spirochetes is coexpressed with a series of cytoplasmic proteins and is produced specifically during early infection. J Bacteriol 187:175-84
Roberts, David M; Caimano, Melissa; McDowell, John et al. (2002) Environmental regulation and differential production of members of the Bdr protein family of Borrelia burgdorferi. Infect Immun 70:7033-41