Grant: Operating Grant

The availability of genome sequence data has permitted a renewed approach to understanding how certain bacteria cause disease. This has been particularly valuable in understanding the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the closely related bacteria used as a vaccine against tuberculosis, called BCG. In this project, we plan to continuing studying mycobacterial pathogens, using a variety of genomic methods. Previously, these organisms were characterized by their loss of DNA, but studies by our group and others have shown that these organisms are also able to gain new genetic elements. The goal of our research is to understand how the acquisition of new genes by these organisms mediates virulence, which is their capacity to cause disease. The ultimate goal is to have a better understanding of the basis of disease, towards the development of improved diagnostic tests and vaccines.