Isolation and functional analysis of the oral metagenome. (360G-Wellcome-078131_Z_05_Z)

£491,528

An estimated 800 bacterial species live in the oral cavity of Homo sapiens. The interaction between the commensal microbiota and its human host results in the commonest bacterial diseases of man; dental caries and periodontal diseases. A major bar to studying the orgal microbiota, whichis probably the easiest such microbial community to analyse, is the fact that 50% or more of the bacteria are uncultivable. One method of analysis which overcomes the need for culture and can enable the whole assemblage of oral microorganisms to be studied is metagenomics. We plan to construct a representative metagenomic library of the human oral microbiota and in this preliminary study analyse it for two groups of genes important for the maintenance of oral biofilms and the evolution of virulence and antibiotic resistance. Specifically, this library will be screened to identify genes encoding adhesins important in biofilm formation and for genes encoding systems involved in horizontal gene transfer. Results obtained will help in developing novel anti-plaque strategies and for understanding the ability of oral bacteria to act as reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes and to spread these resistance genes among themselves and beyond the oral environment.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 491528
Applicant Surname Mullany
Approval Committee Immunology and Infectious Disease Funding Committee
Award Date 2005-10-25T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2005/06
Grant Programme: Title Project Grant
Internal ID 078131/Z/05/Z
Lead Applicant Dr Peter Mullany
Other Applicant(s) Dr Elaine Allan, Dr Veronica Booth, Prof John Ward, Prof Julian Parkhill
Partnership Value 491528
Planned Dates: End Date 2011-07-31T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2006-06-01T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region Greater London