Item – Theses Canada

OCLC number
54460749
Author
Lee, Janet,1976-
Title
Identification of competence genes in Streptococcus mutans by functional genomic analysis.
Degree
M. Sc. -- University of Toronto, 2002
Publisher
Ottawa : National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, [2003]
Description
2 microfiches.
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
'Streptococcus mutans' can enter a physiologic state called genetic competence, which fosters natural transformation. The goal of this study was to identify genetic loci involved in 'S. mutans' competence. These included operons homologous to 'S. pneumoniae ciaRH ', encoding a two-component regulatory system, and 'comX', encoding a putative global modulator. In addition, competence operons homologous to 'S. pneumoniae cfl, cglABCDE, celAB, cinA-recA,' and ' coiA' were identified whose gene products are believed to be involved in DNA uptake and recombination. The role of these genes in genetic competence of 'S. mutans' was confirmed by the generation of mutants and by the assessment of the mutants for transformation efficiency with and without the addition of synthetic 'S. mutans' c_ompetence s_timulating p_eptide (CSP). In summary, the presence and function of nine genes involved in competence induction of 'S. mutans' was demonstrated using a combination of genomic analysis, mutagenesis, and physiologic tests of natural transformation.
ISBN
0612688577
9780612688575