We studied the molecular biology of Yersinia virulence and focused on the molecular and genetic characterization of the Yersinia virulence factors such as YadA, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Ail. We also studied the molecular biology and genetics of Yersinia-specific bacteriophages.
To understand how bacteria cause diseases we had three projects to characterize the structure/function relationships of the Yersinia virulence factors, their interactions with host, and the intricate regulatory networks controlling the expression of the virulence factors. This (hopefully) deepened our understanding on the disease mechanisms and will in the long run provide novel means to cure or prevent infectious diseases.
We continued to elucidate the molecular biology and genetics of bacteriophages φR1-37 and YerA41. In addition to pure academic interest to the resolve the molecular mechanism behind the rare dU-containing DNA of φR1-37 and still unknown nucleotide modifications of YerA41, we foresaw possibilities to exploit the identified nucleotide metabolism enzymes and inhibitors in biotechnological applications. In addition, we isolated a number of phages specific for the ESKAPEE bacteria from different sources such as sewage, stools, compost etc., We sequenced >100 of the phages and are characterizing some of the phages in details. We identified phage genes that encode proteins that are toxic to host bacteria, and aimed to exploit them to identify their function mechanisms that could reveal novel targets for antimicrobial drugs.
Our aim was to set up a PT laboratory in Finland. We initiated the project to establish the logistics and practical issues in setting up and maintaining a collection of therapeutic phages. In order to run PT service for clinicians, safe bacteriophage preparations for therapeutic use approved by appropriate authorities need to be produced and the infrastructure needed for this requires short and long time investments. Overall we wanted to demonstrate that PT is beneficial in the treatment of severe (antibiotic-resistant) bacterial infections (in Finland) and thereby convince the authorities to include PT as part of the public health care. The PT laboratory is now headed by Saija Kiljunen and is located in BioMedicum.