Analysis of gene expression in Trichomonas vaginalis by DNA microarray technology
Poster Number
20
Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
Trichomonas vaginalis, the causative agent of Trichomoniasis, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Microarray experiments are useful for examining gene regulation. Studying how gene regulation changes in an organism in response to different conditions can help biologists explore a plethora of questions. For example, examination of how genes become up- or down-regulated in response to a particular drug can provide insight into the drug’s mechanism of action. Microarrays are also used to compare gene regulation between different strains of microorganisms, thus exploring what makes the two strains different. In this study cDNA microarray chips were constructed from a library of T. vaginalis genes. Ultimately, these chips will be used in a variety of experiments, and we have begun two thus far. One is a comparison of two major lab strains of T. vaginalis, G3 and T1, G3 being more virulent than T1. Since these two strains share the same genome, the differences in virulence are attributable to differences in gene regulation. The second microarray experiment is a comparison of metronidazole-treated G3 versus DMSO-treated G3, which is important because the mechanism of action of metronidazole is largely unknown. For both of these experiments, the genes that are differentially regulated between the different strains or treatments will be sequenced. The functions of the genes will then be hypothesized by comparing them to homologous genes in closely related species. Future research will focus on metronidazole resistance in T. vaginalis, as it is becoming increasingly more common in this parasite.
Location
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom B
Start Date
2-5-2009 1:00 PM
End Date
2-5-2009 3:00 PM
Analysis of gene expression in Trichomonas vaginalis by DNA microarray technology
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom B
Trichomonas vaginalis, the causative agent of Trichomoniasis, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Microarray experiments are useful for examining gene regulation. Studying how gene regulation changes in an organism in response to different conditions can help biologists explore a plethora of questions. For example, examination of how genes become up- or down-regulated in response to a particular drug can provide insight into the drug’s mechanism of action. Microarrays are also used to compare gene regulation between different strains of microorganisms, thus exploring what makes the two strains different. In this study cDNA microarray chips were constructed from a library of T. vaginalis genes. Ultimately, these chips will be used in a variety of experiments, and we have begun two thus far. One is a comparison of two major lab strains of T. vaginalis, G3 and T1, G3 being more virulent than T1. Since these two strains share the same genome, the differences in virulence are attributable to differences in gene regulation. The second microarray experiment is a comparison of metronidazole-treated G3 versus DMSO-treated G3, which is important because the mechanism of action of metronidazole is largely unknown. For both of these experiments, the genes that are differentially regulated between the different strains or treatments will be sequenced. The functions of the genes will then be hypothesized by comparing them to homologous genes in closely related species. Future research will focus on metronidazole resistance in T. vaginalis, as it is becoming increasingly more common in this parasite.