Characterization and regulation of an oxygen induced putative elongation factor-g in the obligate anaerobe Bacteroides fragilis / by Samantha Harvey.
| Author/creator | Harvey, Samantha author. |
| Other author | Smith, C. Jeffrey, degree supervisor. |
| Other author | East Carolina University. Department of Biology. |
| Format | Theses and dissertations |
| Production | 2007. |
| Description | 79 leaves : illustrations (some color) ; 28 cm |
| Supplemental Content | Access via ScholarShip |
| Subjects |
| Summary | Bacteroides fragilis is an anaerobic symbiotic organism that usually inhabits the gastro-intestinal tract of the human host. When abdominal injury occurs this normally beneficial organism can leave the anaerobic environment of the colon and become an opportunistic pathogen. Extra-intestinally B. fragilis is frequently a causative agent in the formation of intra-abdominal abscesses. Rupturing of these abscesses can lead to systemic infections and death. This anaerobic organism's ability to shift from symbiotic to pathogenic is closely linked to its ability to survive in an aerobic environment. Although the organism can tolerate oxygen exposure, it endures severe oxidative stress. Microarray analysis on B. fragilis gene transcription under oxidative stress revealed a putative elongation factor-G (EF G) gene to be amongst the most highly induced genes. In 6. Fragilis there are two genes encoded putative EF-G proteins. Our research has shown fusA to be the gene for the housekeeping EF-G, therefore we have termed the second putative EF-G gene fho, for; fusA homolog in oxygen. We found this gene to be induced by atmospheric levels of oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, stationary phase growth, serine hydroxamate. OxyR, a demonstrated regulator of other oxidative stress responsive genes, was not observed to regulate fho. Analysis of an fho mutant revealed a growth defect when exposed to oxidized rich media These data indicate a potential role for the fho gene product in the recovery of B fragilis from stress. |
| General note | Presented to the faculties of the Departments of Biology, Microbiology and Immunology. |
| General note | Advisor: C. Jeffrey Smith |
| Dissertation note | M.S. East Carolina University 2007 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 76-79). |
| Genre/form | dissertations. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
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