Genetic basis of mycobacterial biofilm formation

Description of projects available to graduate students:

We have recently described the role of an unusual chaperone (GroEL1) in the maturation of mycobacterial biofilms. In continuing our analysis of these biofilms we have performed extensive microarray analysis to identify which genes are up- and down-regulated during biofilm development. In this project you will construct mutants of M. smegmatis in genes that are regulated in biofilm development using a recombineering strategy and test these mutants for their biofilm properties. The project is straightforward, can be accomplished within the time available, and provides an opportunity to learn about the multitude of ongoing projects in the laboratory.

Techniques graduate student will learn:
Microbiology, gene cloning, PCR etc.