Target Pathogen Genomes
The list of genomes being sequenced will increase as the technology that has been developed over the last five years is applied to a range of animal and agricultural pathogens. We will target pathogen genomes, and more specifically proteins likely to mediate host pathogen interactions, as this is an area of particular strength in the research groups in the North West of England. The availability of structural information will be valuable in rational drug design, as well as making a significant contribution into our understanding of infectivity.The table below shows our preliminary target selection. These have been made on the basis of medical importance and the strengths of the research community in the North West. The feasibility of these as targets is currently being examined.
| Pathogen | Disease | |
|---|---|---|
| Mycobacterium tuberculosis | Tuberculosis | Selected genes |
Gene sequences have been chosen using the following parameters:
- Predicted function, e.g. collections of orthologous genes
- Surface molecules, which is part of our defined expertise
- Functional attributes that relate to research in regional laboratories
The selection procedure will be kept under frequent review. The presence of surface molecules as one of the selection criteria reflects both a research strength in the North West and the importance of this class of molecules in pathogenesis through their interaction with the host.
The integration of these selection procedures will result in:
- The production of a large number of familiar and novel protein structures with known as well as unknown functions
- Strengthening of local research in pathogen biology
The main goal is the provision of high quality structural information, but a considerable component will be the “added value” to pathogen research in the North West.