Mikrobiologija in mikrobna biotehnologija (Slovene)

Molecular biology & genetics offered new ways into investigation of complex microbial ecosystems. The core of the programme deals with the microbial community inhabiting the animal gastrointestinal tracts, predominantly rumen. The community structure and dynamics are investigated by means of molecular approaches i.e. direct cloning of the 16S rRNA genes and subsequent phylogenetic analysis and the design, production and use of specific oligonucleotide probes in PCR and in situ hybridisation experiments followed by epifluorescent microscopy or flow cytometry detection and analysis. Ribosomal genes and whole operons are being cloned from predominant rumen bacterial species and sequence, structure and function analysed are performed. The main interest is focused into the analysis of the dominant rumen bacterial genera i.e. Prevotella and Butyrivibrio, however, other genera from non ruminal environment are investigated too. Molecular tools for the detection and monitoring of salmonella and bifidobacteria are being developed and the total bacterial community inhabiting the terestrial isopode crustacean Porcelio scaber is being investigated. The impact of antinutrive agents i.e. plant lectins on microbial flora inhabiting the animal small intestine is being investigated. Genetic and biochemical analyses of enzymatic activities of ruminal microorganisms are being performed too. Nuclease genes from ruminal prevotellas are being cloned and their activity enzymaticalla analysed. The xylanase genes of ruminal butyrivibrios have been shown to belong to the most potent polysaccharidases of ruminal origin and the biotechnological potential is being investigated as well as prebiotic and probiotic activities of a new Butyrivibrio isolate. Other ecological niches are being investigated in collaboration with the different research group. The molecular tools are being developed for the Pseudomands inhabiting soil and phytopatogenic bacteria (Ralstonia, Erwinia etc.) in colaboration with the Planta center of the national Institute for Biology.