Functional Genomics Studies

The study of the Geobacter sulfurreducens genome in combination with Geobacteraceae genomic DNA extracted from subsurface environments is providing significant new insights into how Geobacter species interact with metals and live in nutrient-poor subsurface environments.

A genetic system has recently been developed for G. sulfurreducens. This is being used to study the function of various gene products via the development of knock-out mutants in genes that are believed to be significant for electron transfer to metals, or humic substances, or in the degradation of organic contaminants.

Studies with whole-genome DNA microarrays in collaboration with the Institute for Genomic Research and proteomics studies in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory are being used to elucidate differential expression of genes in G. sulfurreducens grown under different conditions of nutrient limitation and environmental stress in chemostats.

Collaborating Agencies

The Institute for Genomic Research

The Joint Genome Institute

Genomatica, Inc.

Argonne National Laboratory