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Allyson Samselski
James Madison University

Subject Listing - Biology: Microbiology
Advisor: Dr. Kyle Seifert

Thursday, Poster Session 1, Presentation Kiosk 5 C, Health & Fitness Center

CLONING, EXPRESSION, AND PURIFICATION OF SERINE-RICH REPEAT PROTEINS OF GROUP B STREPTOCCUS FOR DETERMINATION OF GLYCOSYLATION PATTERNS

Group B streptococci are a leading cause of neonatal pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis, as well as pathogens of adults with underlying health conditions. Although all 9 serotypes have been isolated from infected individuals, serotype III organisms account for greater than 90% of all meningitis cases. Serotype III organisms can be further divided based on genetic techniques, which separates these organisms into 4 groups. One of these subgroups causes over 90% of all cases of GBS disease caused by serotype III organisms. Genetic analysis has determined that this more pathogenic, or "hypervirulent" lineage, has a unique surface serine-rich repeat glycoprotein (Srr-2) that is different than a similar glycoprotein (Srr-1) that is found in the less pathogenic strains. This project focuses on determining differences in glycosylation between the two serine-rich repeat glycoproteins. The serine-rich repeat proteins have been PCR-amplified, cloned, and expressed in E. coli. Amino-terminal fragments have also been cloned and expressed. Expressed proteins are soluble, and purified proteins will be used as immunogens in rabbits to produce polyclonal antibodies so that the native glycoproteins can be purified and analyzed for carbohydrate content.

Advisor: Dr. Kyle Seifert, Assistant Professor, Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA