Examination of Salmonella Chromosome Structure

The factors controlling bacterial chromosome structure are, at present, not well understood. This proposal seeks to identify and further knowledge of cellular factors that organize and maintain the chromosome structure of the bacterium Salmonella using a site-specific recombination assay to probe chromosome site accessibility.<P> Specifically, a mutant hunt will be performed to identify cellular factors that limit accessibility to certain chromosome sites, dubbed 'black holes.' The role of a protein known to prevent immature DNA replication, SeqA, in limiting accessibility to the black hole sites will be studied further. In addition, the proposed work will examine the role of the known and predicted cytoskeletal proteins MreB and SetB in facilitating Salmonella chromosome movement and organization. Site-specific recombination and proteins involved in maintaining the bacterial chromosome structure are potential antibacterial targets.<P> This work will advance our understanding of the cellular limitations on site-specific recombination, knowledge that will be important in implementing the use of recombination-targeting antibacterial compounds. Additionally, new antibacterial targets may be identified.