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Microbial Genomes

Microbial Genomes. In 1995, the Institute for Genomic Research announced the first completely sequenced genome ( Haemophilus influenzae ) Since then, more than 100 other genomes have been published The 100th sequenced genome was announced in May 2006 ( Methanosarcina barkeri fusaro).

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Microbial Genomes

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  1. Microbial Genomes • In 1995, the Institute for Genomic Research announced the first completely sequenced genome (Haemophilus influenzae) • Since then, more than 100 other genomes have been published • The 100th sequenced genome was announced in May 2006 (Methanosarcina barkeri fusaro)

  2. Microbial Genomes • In 1994, the US Department of Energy started the Microbial Genome Program (MGP) • Goal: To sequence entire genomes of microorganisms that have potential applications in environmental biology, research, industry & health • Example: pathogenic bacteria & protozoans (single celled protists)

  3. Why sequence microbial genomes? • Identify secrets of microbial genes involved in: • cell metabolism & division • illness in humans & animals • New strains of microbes can be developed for use in: • bioremediation • detection of biological weapons • creation of biosensors (organisms that can detect harmful substances)

  4. Why sequence microbial genomes? • Understanding the genomes will allow scientists to better understand how microbes contribute to normal health and how they result in disease • New & rapid diagnostics are expected • Of all genomes sequenced, 45% of genes make proteins with unknown functions and 25% of genes make proteins unique to genome • These may have important applications in biotechnology!

  5. Sequencing Strategies • Annotation is often used • It includes searching databases to identify genes in microbial genomes that have already been identified & assigning names and possible functions. • The raw DNA sequence is analyzed and interpreted to extract the biological significance contained within that sequence

  6. Selected Microbial Genomes • The genomes that receive great attention are those responsible for seriousdisease and illness • Also focus on microorganisms that may be used as biological weapons in a terrorist attack • Those important for food production

  7. Viral Genomics • Viral genomes are hot areas of research • Viruses mutate quickly in response to treatments • Sequencing will help scientists learn how viruses cause disease and help develop new and effective antiviral drugs

  8. Microbial Diagnostics • Studies suggest that microbes may be involved in cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses • Before molecular biology techniques, many bacterial cultures & biochemical tests were used to identify disease-causing bacteria • Example = throat culture • Although still important, new techniques allow rapid detection

  9. Microbial Diagnostics • Molecular techniques include: RFLP analysis, PCR, DNA sequencing, & Southern blot (among others) • Many databases are available for comparison of clinical samples • If doctor suspects an infection, a sample is taken, pathogen isolated & subjected to technique (ex. PCR)

  10. Tracking Disease-Causing Microorganisms • Molecular techniques help epidemiological studies (study and track factors and patterns of microbes, illness, & breakouts) • Although many microbes are important for food production, food is still greatly susceptible to contamination

  11. Salmonella • Salmonella entericais common form • Can contaminate meat, poultry, eggs • Infects human intestinal tract causing diarrhea & vomiting (food poisoning) • New techniques involve using antibodies to detect food-borne microbes

  12. PulseNet • Center for Disease Control (CDC) & US Department of Agriculture (USDA) developed a network of cooperating DNA-detecting labs, called PulseNet, to expand coverage & boost response time • Enables rapid identification of microbes involved in public health condition using DNA fingerprinting approaches • Results compared to database

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