Bark and Bite: a Comparative Genomics Approach to Unwind Uncertainties in Treponeme Biology, Taxonomy and Pathogenicity

Dr Watt, Rory Munro   (Principal Investigator (PI))

Dr Chan Yu Ki   (Co-Investigator)

Professor Leung Wai Keung   (Co-Investigator)

39

2016-01-01

993349

Bark and Bite: a Comparative Genomics Approach to Unwind Uncertainties in Treponeme Biology, Taxonomy and Pathogenicity

Bacterial Genomics, Cell Surface Proteins, Oral Microbiome, Periodontal Disease Etiology, Treponema

Dentistry

Biology and Medicine (M)

17105115

General Research Fund (GRF)

2015

Completed

1 Obtain complete genome sequences for 24 oral treponeme strains belonging to oral phylogroups 1 and 2, which have been isolated from the oral cavities of humans and dogs 2 Utilize a range of bioinformatic approaches to define a ‘core’ set of genes for each species; establish inter-strain and inter-species phylogenetic relationships, and identify genetic ‘markers’ indicative of host, niche and disease-specificity 3 Analyze and compare the distribution and composition of genes known to encode key virulence factors; especially cell surface-exposed adhesins and secreted hydrolytic enzymes including glycosidases and proteases. 4 Compare and contrast the biochemical activities of conserved protease/peptidase homologues of poorly-defined function: e.g. oligopeptidase B, proline oligopeptidase and proline iminopeptidase; to establish their putative physiological roles within each species. Determine their potential involvement in disease-related processes, by evaluating their ability to hydrolyze host proteins, structural glycoproteins and bioactive peptides.