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Project

Functional analysis of glycoproteins in Lactobacillus-host interactions.

The gastrointestinal tract forms a balanced ecosystem of more than 1000 different bacterial species, the microbiota. Although traditionally attention has been mainly focused on pathogens, most bacteria are harmless and even beneficial to the host. The microbiota plays important roles in the physiology of the host, by digestion and assimilation of nutrients, protection against pathogen colonization, and maintaining immune homeostasis. However, there is a need for directed functional approaches to learn more about specific interactions of members of the microbiota and the host. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) was chosen as a model member of the microbiota. During the last decade, we developed several genetic and molecular tools, including the construction of knock-out mutants, for functional analyses of this commensal. In this postdoctoral project, the importance of glycoproteins for certain aspects of LGGs physiology, adhesion and beneficial interactions with the host will be studied. Experiments include biochemical and genetic characterization of two putative glycoproteins and their interaction with specific host cells (intestinal epithelial cells) and signaling transducing receptors (pattern-recognition receptors).
Date:1 Oct 2010 →  31 Oct 2011
Keywords:Lactobacillus, Glycoproteins, Bacterial genetics, Pribiotics, Pili, Cell wall proteins, Mucosal immunology
Disciplines:Biochemistry and metabolism, Systems biology, Medical biochemistry and metabolism, Physiology, Microbiology, Laboratory medicine