DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/4H4G-Z187
Defense Date
2008
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Microbiology & Immunology
First Advisor
Todd Kitten
Abstract
The ability of bacteria to assimilate free DNA from the environment is known as competence. Though many studies have focused on competence regulation in Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus sanguinis has yet to be examined. Physiological characterization of competence in S. sanguinis strain SK36 and its comC mutant, JFP41, led to the genome-wide transcriptional analysis of cells induced to competence via addition of competence-stimulating peptide (CSP). A total of 128 genes were induced at least 2-fold, 74 of which were classified as either “early” or “late” based on their induction patterns. Expression patterns were verified using qRT-PCR. This study identified genes not up-regulated in S. pneumoniae or S. gordonii and lays the foundation for bioinformatic studies to identify conserved binding sites upstream from CSP-regulated genes. These results also shed light on the possible existence and identity of expected CSP exporters in S. sanguinis, which have so far eluded discovery.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
August 2008