Project Number: 3625-32000-081-01
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Feb 01, 2005
End Date: Dec 31, 2009

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to perform genome analysis of Leptospira species to identify genetic differences and variation in gene expression under different experimental conditions. A variety of approaches will be used, including genome sequencing, bioinformatics, development of microarrays, and analysis of proteomes.

Approach:
Each laboratory independently determined the genome sequence of strains of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo. In addition, the laboratory at Monash University has revised the annotation of two Leptospira interrogans genomes. Comparative sequence analysis using bioinformatics will be used to identify alterations in genes and attempts will be made to correlate these genetic differences with altered characteristics of the bacteria. Genome sequence data will be used to design and produce microarrays that will be used to identify changes in gene expression under different environmental conditions. Protein expression patterns will be determined using proteomic analysis techniques and immunological analysis. BSL-Exempt; Approved 11/04/04 (IBC-# 0241) BSL-2; Approved 11/04/04 (IBC-#'s 0242, 0195 & 0256)