Project description:The aim of the project is to identify transcriptome-wide binding sites for the global RNA-binding protein ProQ in Salmonella during intracellular-like conditions.
Project description:Bacterial genomes serve as a blueprint in all aspects of biological research, and therefore accurate annotation is of paramount importance. However, increasing evidence suggests annotated bacterial genomes have missed many, if not all, small genes encoding proteins ≤60 amino acids. To uncover unannotated small genes in Salmonella enterica, we used a genomic technique ‘ribosome profiling’ that provides a snapshot of all mRNAs being translated (translatome). For comprehensive identification of the small genes, we obtained Salmonella translatomes in four different growth conditions including Luria-Bertani medium, MOPS rich defined medium, N-minimal medium with low Mg2+ (10 μM), and N-minimal medium at pH 5.7, respectively. Ribosome profiling data were analysed in combination with in silico predicted putative open reading frames and transcriptome profiles. As a result, we uncovered 127 previously unannotated genes, the majority of which were small genes encoding proteins ≤50 amino acids. We validated expression by western blot of the identified unannotated small genes, the smallest of which is 7-amino acid long. Because some unannotated small genes identified in this study are only expressed in the infection-relevant low Mg2+ conditions, they are likely involved in cellular processes required for Salmonella virulence. Our findings suggest that currently sequenced bacterial genomes are likely under-annotated with regard to small genes and need to be revised.
Project description:This project explores the impact of SseK mediated Arg-GlcNAcylation on Salmonella proteins. Using Site directed mutagenesis, MS analysis and phenotypic studies we show Arg-GlcNAcylation appears to modulate the functions of multiple salmonella enzymes. This work demonstrates effectors can have multiple roles both within host cells and bacterial pathogens themselves.
Project description:Salmonella enterica is comprised of genetically distinct “serovars”, that together provide an intriguing model for exploring the genetic basis of pathogen evolution. While the genomes of numerous Salmonella isolates with broad variations in host range and human disease manifestations have been sequenced, the functional links between genetic and phenotypic differences among these serovars remain poorly understood. Here, we conduct high-throughput functional genomics on both generalist (Typhimurium) and human-restricted (Typhi & Paratyphi A) Salmonella at unprecedented scale in the study of this enteric pathogen. Using a comprehensive systems biology approach, we identify gene networks with serovar-specific fitness effects across 25 host-associated stresses encountered at key stages of human infection. By experimentally perturbing these networks, we characterize previously undescribed pseudogenes in human-adapted Salmonella. Overall, this work highlights specific vulnerabilities encoded within human-restricted Salmonella that are linked to the degradation of their genomes, shedding light into the evolution of this enteric pathogen.
Project description:Salmonella enterica is comprised of genetically distinct “serovars”, that together provide an intriguing model for exploring the genetic basis of pathogen evolution. While the genomes of numerous Salmonella isolates with broad variations in host range and human disease manifestations have been sequenced, the functional links between genetic and phenotypic differences among these serovars remain poorly understood. Here, we conduct high-throughput functional genomics on both generalist (Typhimurium) and human-restricted (Typhi & Paratyphi A) Salmonella at unprecedented scale in the study of this enteric pathogen. Using a comprehensive systems biology approach, we identify gene networks with serovar-specific fitness effects across 25 host-associated stresses encountered at key stages of human infection. By experimentally perturbing these networks, we characterize previously undescribed pseudogenes in human-adapted Salmonella. Overall, this work highlights specific vulnerabilities encoded within human-restricted Salmonella that are linked to the degradation of their genomes, shedding light into the evolution of this enteric pathogen.