Pathogenomics How this project began: Ann Rose - take advantage of DNA sequence information - genomics Julian Davies - use the information to understand and control infectious disease, pathogenicity
Pathogenomics Goal: Identify previously unrecognized mechanisms of infectious disease.
Pathogenomics Getting started, the PWIAS funded workshop: December, 1997 We invited major genome scientists sequencing and analyzing data from bacterial genomes, and Company researchers using sequence information to identify potential drug targets
Recruitment of Key Bioinformaticists Steven J. Jones Sanger Centre (UK) to BC Genome Sequence Centre, BC Cancer Agency B. Francis Ouellette National Centre for Biotechnology Information, NIH (USA) to Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, UBC
Pathogenomics A unique opportunity: Take an informatics approach Identify ‘candidates’ Functionally test in both the pathogen and host Within an evolutionary perspective
Post-funding New members - NSERC student, Audrey de Koenig with Sally Otto - New Faculty member, Patrick Keeling - Recently appointed Director CDC, Bob Brunham
Informatics/Bioinformatics BC Genome Sequence Centre Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics Pathogen Functions Dept. Microbiology Biotechnology Laboratory Dept. Medicine BC Centre for Disease Control Host Functions Dept. Medical Genetics C. elegans Reverse Genetics Facility Dept. Biological Sciences SFU Interdisciplinary group Evolutionary Theory Dept of Zoology Dept of Botany Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Coordinator
Pathogenomics How does it work: Very well ! Monthly meetings Steve’s program
Screen for candidate genes. Search pathogen genes against sequence databases. Identify those with notable similarity to eukaryotic genes. Rank candidates. - how much like host protein? - info available about protein? Prioritize for further biological study. - Previously studied biologically? - Can UBC microbiologists study it? - C. elegans homolog? Evolutionary significance. - Horizontal transfer? Date of transfer? Coevolution? Similar by chance? Modify screening method /algorithm Approach
Sequence comparisons are automated & continually updated Interdisciplinary team examine the pathogen gene and similar host gene Insight gained into horizontal gene transfer events The evolution of pathogen-host interactions. Power of the Approach
Pathogenomics Group Reference Website
Presentations Medical Genetics Research Day –November 12, 1999 –Talk: “Pathogenomics” –Poster: “Pathogenomics: An Interdisciplinary Approach for the Study of Infectious Disease”
Presentations, this week Canadian Bioinformatics workshops, at Harbour View Centre Pathogenomics is there! –Three of our members participating –Pathogenomics Poster presented
Upcoming Presentations HUGO/HGM2000 meeting –April 9-12, 2000, Vancouver, Canada Genomes 2000 conference –April 11-15, 2000, Paris, France
Pathogenomics Contributions - Generation of computer software - Creation of a public database - Publication of results in research journals, and by means of a web site - Promote research collaboration - Contribute to the profile of UBC and PWIAS - Discover new mechanisms of infection, and - Gain insights that will improve human health