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Stud. Vet. Kristian Franer

Here we are engaged in understanding the molecular mechanisms of horizontal transfer of genes encoding virulence factors in pathogenic bacteria. The focus of the research projects is on interaction between Type IV pili and bacteriophages. Although interactions between bacteriophages and bacteria have played critical roles in the evolution of several pathogens there is very little knowledge of the basic mechanisms underlying the role of the pilus in phage infectivity. We use the bacterium Vibrio choleræ, the agent of cholera, as a modell. The phage that encodes cholera toxin, CTX phage, required TCP, a type IV pilus, to infect Vibrio choleræ and thereby render this organisms toxigenic. For these studies we are taking an imaging approach using immuno-microscopical techniques.

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