Project description:The present study examines changes in global gene expression patterns and in virulence factor-associated genes in an extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing UPEC (ESBL019) during the morphologic transitions induced by an ineffective antibiotic and in the presence of human primary bladder epithelial cells. The morphological shifts induced by ineffective antibiotics are associated with significant transcriptional virulence alterations in ESBL-producing UPEC, which may affect survival and persistence in the urinary tract.
Project description:This project has two goals. Firstly, to compare the gene expression profiles of Caco cells following exposure to Verocytotoxigenic E. coli0157:H7 (VTEC) isolates from food animals (bovine, ovine, porcine) and human in an effort to assess the invasive and toxigenic potential of isolates of different origin. All sources contain the common virulence and type 3 secretory system genes. Secondly, to compare the gene expression profiles of Caco-2 cells following exposure to VTEC isolates that contain (positive) or do not contain (negative) the genes of the type 3 secretory system (TTSS).