Author
Submitted to: International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 8/13/2005 Publication Date: 8/13/2005 Citation: Bannantine, J.P. 2005. Recent developments in the molecular biology of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. Proceedings of the 8th International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis, August 13-17, 2005, Copenhagen, Denmark. p, 345-351. Interpretive Summary: This proceedings paper represents an invited talk to survey the recent developments in molecular biology as it relates to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. The conclusions are that this area of research is fertile ground for both new and established investigators. The current focus in Map molecular biology has to do with defining genetic diversity or locating differences (insertions, deletions or base changes in the DNA) in the genomes of closely related mycobacteria. Technical Abstract: The field of molecular biology can be broadly defined to encompass any recombinant DNA technology, including DNA sequencing, cloning, DNA amplification methods, etc. Furthermore, molecular biology can claim proteomics and production of recombinant proteins in addition to DNA manipulation. This review will encompass any study that identifies a novel characteristic of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) genomic DNA. It will also encompass extraction techniques of cellular components (either protein, RNA or DNA). In light of this focus, DNA amplification studies are excluded from consideration, especially where the objective is for detection or diagnosis of Map. To gain a solid perspective on where the field is now, it is necessary to examine the history of this area of research. The current literature is also surveyed and the most relevant papers are discussed. This survey reveals that defining genetic diversity in the wake of the release of the Map genome sequence is the major focus of this area of research. |