The long-range goal of this research is to identify functions of unknown genes in Porphyromonas gingivalis using high-throughput bioinformatic tools. The objective of this application is to use DNA microarray technology to identify the functional classes of these unknown genes. Sequencing of the P. gingivalis genome has been completed, but 49% of the open reading frames (1003 out of 2043) have no assigned function. In this study DNA microarray technology will be used to collect global gene expression profiles under various in vitro growth conditions. These profiles will be used in four specific aims: 1) Confirmation of the expression of predicted ORFs in P. gingivalis; 2) Functional class inference of the unknown genes by clustering analysis; 3) Identification of conserved transcription regulatory motifs (such as promoters) from co-regulated genes; and 4) Establishment of P. gingivalis microarray database for public retrieval and deposit of array data. Better understanding of the unknown genes in this periodontal pathogen will lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for periodontal diseases based on the new potential targets for novel drug and vaccine design.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Career Transition Award (K22)
Project #
5K22DE014742-02
Application #
6613313
Study Section
NIDCR Special Grants Review Committee (DSR)
Program Officer
Hardwick, Kevin S
Project Start
2002-08-01
Project End
2007-07-31
Budget Start
2003-08-01
Budget End
2004-07-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$135,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Forsyth Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
062190616
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02142
Chen, T (2006) DNA microarrays--an armory for combating infectious diseases in the new century. Infect Disord Drug Targets 6:263-79
Chen, Tsute; Abbey, Kevin; Deng, Wen-jie et al. (2005) The bioinformatics resource for oral pathogens. Nucleic Acids Res 33:W734-40
Chen, Tsute; Hosogi, Yumiko; Nishikawa, Kiyoshi et al. (2004) Comparative whole-genome analysis of virulent and avirulent strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis. J Bacteriol 186:5473-9