We are examining various aspects of the biology
of the bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti. This organism is best
known for its ability to induce N2-fixing root nodules on alfalfa.
The genome of Sinorhizobium meliloti consists of a chromosome
and two megaplasmids or mini-chromosomes designated pSymA and
pSymB. We were part of the international consortium responsible
for determining the DNA sequence of Sinorhizobium meliloti. Our
current studies are centered on functional genomics with a focus
towards elucidating the biological roles for genes of unknown
function. In addition, we are proceeding with long term projects
that include studying malate metabolism, pSymB replication and
phosphate utilization by Sinorhizobium meliloti.
In our studies, we mainly employ a molecular genetics
approach but we are willing to use any approach or methodology
to achieve an answer to various questions.
We are grateful for research funding from the
Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada, Genome
Canada through the Ontario Genomics Institute and the Ontario
Research and Development Challenge Fund (ORDCF).
Genome Canada funding was obtained for
a group project and includes the laboratories of Professors
Brian Golding (Co-Pi), Christian Baron, Trevor Charles, B.
McCarry, E. Weretilnyk and J. P. Xu.
