Funding outcome

Bacteria, while a natural part of our gut, can grow in areas of our bodies that lead to harmful health consequences. Infection of the urinary tract is prevalent in women. Furthermore in pregnant women, bacteria from urinary tract infections can be transferred to newborns during childbirth, leading to infection and death. We have identified a gene that is responsible for growth of bacteria in the gut. When this gene is removed, the bacteria are healthy but can no longer grow in the gut. The product of the gene is responsible for chopping up proteins. It is not known if the amount of this gene changes in different types of bacteria. We will compare the amount of gene product in different bacteria known to grow in different areas of our bodies (large bowel, small bowl, bladder) and cause harm. In addition, healthy gut bacteria, bacteria found in children with IDB, and probiotic strains of bacteria will be tested. Importantly, it is not known what this gene product does in bacteria. The gene product is part of a family that cuts up proteins. We will identify what proteins this gene product cuts and how this leads to bacterial growth. We will also test if this gene product influences growth in other areas such as the urinary tract and blood. The three dimensional shape to the protein will be determined to help identify novel therapies to treat harmful bacterial growth. This study will provide an understanding at the molecular level how this gene product plays an essential role in bacterial growth and open avenues for therapy development.