I then started my PhD here in Prof. Phil Poole's lab, investigating the stress response of Rhizobium leguminosarum. I am using a differential fluorescence induction (DFI) technique to screen a genomic DNA library, under many stresses, specifically hyper-osmosis. Bacteria expressing a green fluorescent protein can then be isolated and the promoter fragment responsible for gfpuv induction can be characterised. This approach enables direct selection for genes that are expressed and are essential for survival in the environment. The gfpuv fusions induced under these stress conditions will also be employed to characterise the regulatory networks that sense stress within R. leguminosarum.

I am also investigating transport system within R. leguminosarum believed to be responsible for uptake of osmoprotectants.

Presentations

Adaptation in Rhizobium to Environmental Stress. 6th European Nitrogen Fixation Conference, Toulouse (2004).

Adaptation of Rhizobium to Environmental Stress. SGM 150th Ordinary Meeting, University of Warwick (2002).