The Ravel Laboratory for Microbial Genomics
Whole genome sequence of Esherichia coli and Shigella sp.
Collaborators: Ed C. Boedeker, Univ. of Maryland School of Medicine and the Center for Vaccine Development; Carl Brinkley, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research; James B. Kaper, Univ. of Maryland School of Medicine and the Center for Vaccine Development; Anthony T. Maurelli, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Harry L.T. Mobley, Univ. of Michigan Medical School; James P. Nataro, Univ. of Maryland School of Medicine; Stephen J. Savarino, Naval Medical Research Center; Thomas Cebula, FDA; Gene Leclerc, FDA.
Funding: NIAID – Microbial Sequencing Center
The complete genomes of four well-characterized Escherichia coli/Shigella strains has been sequenced to closure, in addition to seven genomes at draft coverage, totaling 11 genomes. This work is significantly expanding and complementing the E. coli/Shigella genome projects that are completed or underway. The number of diseases that their members can cause underscores the diversity among these genera. We have addressed the breadth of this diversity by focusing our sequencing efforts on representative members of three previously unsequenced groups, enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) and Shigella boydii, all of which cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans. In addition to these pathogenic isolates, we have sequenceed E. coli HS, a strain known to colonize the human gastrointestinal tract without causing disease. This sequence is providing a genomic scaffold upon which to build and allow identification of factors responsible for colonization that should be shared among the pathogenic members of the E. coli/Shigella. Additionally, the E. coli HS sequence will facilitate rapid identification and focused analysis of pathogen-specific genomic islands. This work is increasing our understanding of these genera, enabling the development of robust typing schema and new vaccines, as well as potentially aid in forensic analysis in cases of bioterrorism.
In addition, we are also sequencing several isolates from the E. coli 0157:H7 isolated from the recent outbreak in spinach.
For a complete list of organisms and update on the project, click here
PROJECTS
