New Method to Profile Anthrax Genome
(from Science Daily, by Georgia Institute of Technology)

Scientists have recently profiled the genome of the deadly Anthrax causing bacteria, Bacillus Anthracis. They have done this through the use of RNA-Seq, a process which is a method for counting mRNA inside a cell. It takes the sequencing of the genome one step further, allowing a better picture of the cells processes. It shows how the genome expresses and regulates its processes.
RNA-Seq had been performed on eukaryotic cells previously, (mice, see http://www.nature.com/nmeth/journal/v5/n7/abs/nmeth.1226.html), and was more difficult with the structure of Prokaryotic Bacterial cells, due to the floating DNA(no membrane bound nucleus). The bacterial trascriptome (collective RNA) was sequenced from Bacillus Anthracis found in contrasting environments. Using millions of "marked" sections, the genome could be profiled.

The developments in profiling the bacterial genome help in providing information in the fields of antibiotic production, and bacterial research.

By Luke Cuerel (42060910)

Article : Georgia Institute of Technology. "New Technique Used To Profile Anthrax Genome." ScienceDaily 20 March 2009. 22 March 2009 .
Additional Information : http://www.nature.com/nmeth/journal/v5/n7/abs/nmeth.1226.html
Picture : http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/assets/images/2004/Mar-24/Bacillus_anthracis.jpg