Pneumococcal evolution by genetic recombination. (360G-Wellcome-083511_Z_07_Z)

The research described in this proposal uses high-throughput Affymetrix Resequencing Array technology to sequence large regions of the pneumococcal genome, with the aim of identifying genetic diversity and evidence for recombination. Sequenced fragments will be distributed around the genome and include: regions of particular interest such as capsular locus genes; highly variable genes such as those associated with antibiotic resistance or pneumococcal virulence; and stable regions such as house keeping genes. This will provide data across a spectrum of sequence diversity. A carefully selected set of strains will be genotyped, including historical (pre- antibiotic era) pneumococci as well as contemporary, globally-distributed strains with disease relevance and/or antibiotic resistance markers. Sequence data will be analysed using both existing and newly-developed methods, with the aim of understanding the extent to which recombination plays a key role in pneumococcal evolution.