| Abstract | We are studying the interactions between Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and Aeromonas salmonicida, the causative agent of furunculosis. We have sequenced the genome of the bacterium to enable us to investigate virulence factors and other gene products that may have application as vaccines candidates. Using knockout mutants of A. salmonicida, we have identified virulence factors. Proteomics studies have revealed differential protein production such as superoxide dismutase, pili and flagellar proteins, type three secretion systems, and we describe their roles in A. salmonicida pathogenicity. A DNA microarray of A. salmonicida genes was used for genomic hybridizations to compare selected A. salmonicida salmonicida isolates, as well as other Aeromonas species and subspecies with that of the sequenced strain. Results showed that variation among the virulence associated genes increased across sub-species and species boundaries. In investigating the host, salmon were challenged with A. salmonicida and samples of the bacterium and the host tissues were taken at selected times post-infection. From the host, EST libraries were made from mRNA and suppressive subtractive hybridization revealed differential gene expression. These data were used to select genes for an Atlantic salmon cDNA microarray that we use to investigate the functional genomics of the host response to A. salmonicida. By linking genome sequencing, functional genomics, proteomics, carbohydrate analysis, metabonomics/metabolomics, and immunological assays, we are taking an integrated and innovative approach to pathogenesis research. |
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