Laboratory of microbial gene technology and the food microbiology group at IKBM merged in May 2007 to form the group Laboratory of microbial gene technology and food microbiology. The group is headed by Professor Ingolf Nes.
Ingolf Nes
Foto: Knut Werner Alsén
The main research focus for this group is molecular microbiology, and lactic acid bacteria as well as pathogens are being studied. Of specific interest is the relation between probiotic and intestinal pathogenic bacteria. To unravel useful information concerning the behaviour of and interactions between such bacteria, the whole genome is studied by DNA microarray technology. The following species are studied:
The microarray platform is developed further along with new research issues coming up.
Another important and recognized area of research from this group is antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins) produced by certain species. Gene regulation with respect to the production of such molecules is in focus, as well as temperate bacteriophages in Lactococci. Lactococci are used as a model organism and these studies are important to understand how the pathogenicity factors spreads among species.
The diversity of lactic acid bacteria an bifidobacteria in infants and piglets is another interesting project headed by members of this group.
Main Research Projects. (Name of contact persons in brackets).
1. Development of DNA-microarray technology for functional genomics related to food-production and food quality (SUP project) (Aakra, Vebo).
2. Forekomst og biodiversitet av bakteriofag i norsk råmelk og i melkesyrebakterier, og deres effekt på fermenteringsprossessen (Occurrence and biodiversity of bacteriophages in Norwegian raw milk and in lactic acid bacteria, and their influence on the fermentation process) (Lunde, Kleppe).
3. Molecular microbiology of gram-positive foodbacteria: Functional genomics and applications (SUP project) (Brede).
4. Development of new antimicrobial agents: Structure - functional analysis and construction of peptides with antimicrobial activity (SUP project) (Diep, Straume, Opsata).
5. PROPATH Molecular analysis and mechanistic elucidation of the functionality of probiotics and prebiotics in the inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms to combat gastrointestinal disorders and to improve human health (Salethian).
To see the most updated information on our group and our research projects, go to lmg.umb.no
