Recent work in whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics has shown that, over time, many different types of mobile genetic elements have been exchanged between microbial species. Many of these adaptation events are beneficial in nature and have enabled the evolution of more efficient microbial species. It is believed that genetic adaptation results from a specific combination of exposure to a primary carbon source, physical environmental conditions and intrinsic microbial characteristics. However, the cause and effect relationship between beneficial genetic adaptation and microbial exposure to anthropogenic compounds is poorly understood. Our research seeks to illuminate their relationship. The overall goal of our research is to study fundamental gene transfer mechanisms in order to control, accelerate and monitor beneficial gene transfer in engineered treatment systems. It is likely that rates of genetic adaptation vary with environmental conditions, and that this property can be manipulated to increase biodegradation rates.
Currently, our research group is working to identify key internal and external factors which control genetic adaptation. We anticipate our findings will be widely applicable to all contaminants. We expect that these fundamental results could ultimately be transferred to the development of new genetic biostimulation strategies for treating emerging contaminants.
This work is funded through the National Science Foundation.