Group Leader:
Dr. Martin Young
(613) 990-0855 /
Martin.Young@nrc.gc.ca

Business Contact:
Scott Ferguson,
(613) 990-5948 /
Scott.Ferguson@nrc.gc.ca

Group Focus:
Genome sequences are rapidly becoming available for an increasing number of bacterial pathogens, and are revolutionizing the study of pathogenesis. Analyses of these genomes by methods such as bioinformatics, DNA microarrays and proteomics are identifying critical components for the infection process. Bacterial cell surface components such as glycans, membrane proteins and surface proteins are primary candidates for vaccine development, and the enzymes responsible for their biosynthesis or post-translational modification are potential targets for the design of novel anti-infectives. The Proteomics laboratory carries out research in human infectious diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. We have developed considerable expertise in the development and application of gel-based and mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis technologies. In addition, we have a strong research program focused on the characterization of protein post-translational modifications, especially protein glycosylation. The laboratory is also the designated proteomics core facility for NRC's Genomics and Health Initiative.

The Team:
Genomics:Dr. Martin Young, David Watson, Sonia Leclerc, Dr. Smita Bhatia, Dr. John Nash, Brian Agnew, Anne Bouevitch, Simon Foote, Oksana Mykytczuk, Dr. Wendy Findlay, Christian Luebbert.

Proteomics: Dr. John Kelly, Dr. Jennifer Hill, Tammy-Lynn Tremblay, Wen Ding, Luc Tessier, Marie-Soleil Giguère, Mireille Petit, Dr Susan Twine.

Ongoing Research Activities and Projects:
Using the genome sequences of pathogenic bacteria, principally Campylobacter jejuni, Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia and Aeromonas salmonicida, we are examining the functional genomics of glycosyltransferases, glyco-synthetic enzymes and surface proteins. DNA microarrays have been created to study the infection processes of all three organisms and for genomotyping.

Our bacterial proteomics program is focused on two human pathogens, Francisella tularensis and Campylobacter jejuni. We are also using proteomics to better understand the pathology of ischemia (stroke) as well as other neurodegenerative diseases. The group is well known internationally for its work on bacterial glycoprotein analysis and, in keeping with the IBS's new strategic initiative in neuroglycobiology, we have just launched a new program in eukaryotic glycoproteomics.

Partnering Opportunities:
We are interested in scientific and industrial collaborators whose expertise/interest is in the following areas:

• Use of DNA microarrays to explore the comparative genomics of virulence in select pathogens
• Creation of novel diagnostics based on the DNA micro-array results
• Roles of cell surface molecules in bacterial pathogenesis
• Understanding complex sugar biosynthesis and exploitation of the enzymes involved for in vitro carbohydrate synthesis

Expertise and available technologies:

• Investigation of changes in bacterial and host gene expression, by means of DNA microarray techniques
• Bioinformatics support of bacterial genomics and proteomics, including development of in-house databases and other tools for DNA microarray and genome sequence data
• Gel-based and mass spectrometry based proteomics analytical technologies (i.e., 2D-gel electrophoresis, ICAT-nanoLC-MS/MS, etc.)
• Expertise in protein post-translational modification
• Provision of certain proteomics analytical services on a fee-for-service basis