Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/T/S/2000/01407
Lambda integrase gene family: markers for phage diversity, environmental regulation, and gene transfer in freshwater bacteria.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor JR Saunders, NERC CEH (Up to 30.11.2019), NERC CEH - Windermere
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor R Pickup, Lancaster University, Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences
- Grant held at:
- NERC CEH (Up to 30.11.2019), NERC CEH - Windermere
- Science Area:
- Freshwater
- Overall Classification:
- Freshwater
- ENRIs:
- Pollution and Waste
- Global Change
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Environmental Genomics
- Palaeobiology
- Population Genetics/Evolution
- Abstract:
- The primary objective is to utilise the lambda DNA integrase family as a marker for defining the distribution and diversity of mobile genetic elements, primarily temperate (lysogenic) phages, in a population of freshwater bacteria. Studies on virus interaction with bacterial populations have tended to concentrate on lytic phages and their effects on population dynamics. However, temperate phages, where lethal gene functions are repressed, may integrate into and remodel bacterial genomes and can transmit non-viral genes by transduction or phage conversion phenomena. They play an equivalent, if not greater role in the evolution and adaptation of bacterial populations: this will be the focus of the project. DNA integrases are proteins that recombine double-stranded DNA through consecutive strand breakage and rejoining. They are crucial for genome maintenance and plasticity, allowing rapid responses to environmental change, notably where they promote genome rearrangements or genetic switching. Phage lambda Int protein is the prototype DNA integrase of this family. Others maintain plasmid copy number and eliminate chromosome dimers, modulate surface components in response to environmental conditions, or are involved in the integration and excision of conjugative transposons and genomic islands. Sub-families with identifiable functions and/or sequence motifs can be identified in both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and used potentially as markers for monitoring transfer and evolution of mobile genetic elements. We will ask the following questions: can Int genes be used to monitor the activity and diversity lysogenic phages in freshwater?; what is the extent and role of temperate phages in this environment?; what is the relationship between such phages and other genetic elements? Priest Pot will be used as the experimental site, since it is a relatively enclosed environment and we already have extensive data, stored cultures and DNA samples from this water.
- Period of Award:
- 4 Feb 2002 - 3 May 2005
- Value:
- £17,898 Split Award
Authorised funds only
- NERC Reference:
- NER/T/S/2000/01407
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Directed Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Marine & Freshwater Microbial
This grant award has a total value of £17,898
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - T&S | Total - Staff | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| £1,402 | £5,999 | £7,737 | £2,760 |
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