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Functional genomics studies of the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis

Elena Del Tordello1, Davide Serruto

  • 1Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics, Siena, Italy.

Briefings in Functional Genomics
|June 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Functional genomics studies reveal how Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) adapts to human environments. These findings identify potential virulence factors and vaccine candidates for controlling this pathogen.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis is a significant global cause of septicemia and meningitis.
  • Understanding its adaptation to human niches is crucial for combating infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the adaptive strategies of N. meningitidis using functional genomics.
  • To identify novel virulence factors and vaccine candidates.

Main Methods:

  • DNA microarrays to analyze transcriptome changes in vitro and ex vivo.
  • Mutagenesis studies to identify genes essential for colonization and infection.
  • Genomic analysis for vaccine candidate discovery.

Main Results:

  • Transcriptome alterations observed upon interaction with human cells, serum, and blood.
  • Identification of genes critical for N. meningitidis colonization and systemic infection.
  • Discovery of potential vaccine candidates through genomic analysis.

Conclusions:

  • Functional genomics provides insights into N. meningitidis biology and pathogenesis.
  • These approaches facilitate the identification of new virulence factors and vaccine targets.
Keywords:
Neisseria meningitidisgenomeshost–pathogen interactionmicroarrayvaccines

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