Molecular Microbiology of Salmonella

Salmonella is a leading cause of food-borne bacterial infections which are responsible for significant problems in the UK. Because transmission and infection are dependent on the survival of bacteria in different environments such as water, soil and food, we are investigating the effect of environmental change on the expression of genes involved in infection. <P>
We are capitalising on the complete DNA genome sequences now available for Salmonella. Our functional genomic strategy involves DNA microarray-based approaches to study bacterial genes that are switched on or off by environmental signals, or during the infection process. <P>
We are also investigating how Salmonella genes are switched on during infection or within bacterial populations by monitoring gene expression in individual Salmonella cells. This involves the use of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) as a reporter to give a visual indication of the switching on of particular genes during infection of mammalian cells, which is observed by microscopy or measured by flow cytometry. <P>
The understanding of pathogenesis and environmental stress responses that we are developing for Salmonella will open up new possibilities for the control or eradication of harmful bacteria from the food chain.