2021 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
The evolutionary transition from minimal cells to organelles
| Project/Area Number |
21K15070
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| Research Institution | Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University |
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Principal Investigator |
枡鏡 優美子 沖縄科学技術大学院大学, 進化・細胞・共生の生物学ユニット, 技術員 (10839848)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
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| Keywords | Comparative genomics / Minimal cell / Symbiotic bacteria / Free living bacteria / Genome reduction / Metabolomics / Proteomics |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
This research project aims to study the evolutionary transition from the simplest self-replicating bacteria to highly host-dependent symbiotic bacteria, and eventually organelles to better understand how bacteria proceed along the path of genome reduction and host dependence.
To achieve the aim of study, multi-omics study(genomics, proteomics and metabolomics) and microscope approaches are combined to reveal a functional comparison of two distinct bacteria.
Comparative genomics in simplest self-replicating Mycoplasma spp. and highly host-dependent insect symbiotic bacteria Tremblaya using bioinformatics tools is in progress. More detailed gene comparisons are currently performed.
To achieve morphological observation on these two different organisms, several trials on sample preparation for transmission microscopy and scanning electron microscopy samples has been started. Material Transfer Agreement with the University of Melbourne has been signed to import inactivated mycoplasma spp. for this research project.
Metabolomics extraction trials have been done using insect bacteriomes containing endosymbiotic bacteria.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.
Reason
Due to the maternity leave for a few months after this research project has been granted, the progress is slightly delayed.
However, the Material Transfer Agreement has been signed between OIST and the University of Melbourne research group, that allow to import mycoplasma spp. for this research purpose.
The research will progress smoothly from 2022 because preparation of the materials and training on electron microscopy and instrument needed for metabolomics have been already completed in 2021.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
More detailed gene comparisons of simplest self-replicating mycoplasmas and endosymbiotic bacteria, Tremblaya using multiple bioinformatics tools would be completed within 2022.
Electron microscope observation to investigate morphological difference would be performed on the side of genomics analyses.
To better understand host-bacteria interaction of these two distinct bacteria, I aim to establish mycoplasma infection system in cultured cell for the metabolomics/proteomics analyses and microscopy observation.
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| Causes of Carryover |
Travel expenses could not be used to attend international conferences or organise on site meeting with collaborator in Australia under current covid situation and a few month of maternity leave.
Incurring travel expenses will be used next fiscal year to attend international conferences and on site meeting and experiments in Australia.
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