Jaya Sadda
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Peter Freddolino, Assistant Professor
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Biological Chemistry, Michigan Medicine
Presentation Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Session: Session 2 (11am – 11:50am)
Breakout Room: Room 14
Presenter: 4
Abstract
Bacteria have long been an important area of study. Working with the Freddolino Lab at the University of Michigan, this project focuses on “Unravelling the organizing principles of bacterial chromosomes.” We have studied Vibrio cholerae and their mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer, as about 1 in 100 attack and usurp genes from neighboring bacteria. We seek to understand how the PLE islands, which are normally dormant, become activated after injecting a phage, and looking at how this response is happening. PLE islands (phage-inducible chromosomal island-like elements) are widespread genomic islands which are useful to phage defense in Vibrio cholerae. In this study, we selected and regulated for the PLE island to be inserted and integrated into the superintegron region of the chromosome. We have measured the protein occupancy of the bacterial chromosome, and the data shows that there is a large amount of protein in the PLE island region, which signifies that it is probably silenced. Thus far, we believe that the Vibrio cholera has a “default off” system regarding protein expression, because we found that when the bacteria is infected with the phage, the PLE islands become active and silence the entire superrintegron region. We seek to understand the mechanism of this possible silencing, and whether there is a true “default off” system. There are many further directions to take this study, such as what happens if the PLE island is inserted outside of the superintegron. This research is important for the general field of bacteriology, along with the creation of novel medicines and antibiotic developments. If we can learn more about how gene transfer works and how genes uptaken are turned on and off, it can be effective in terms of antibiotic development and even preventing antibiotic resistance.
Authors: Jaya Sadda, Peter Freddolino
Research Method: Experimental Research
