Dra. Susana Brom Klanner

Biography

Undergraduate (B Sc.): Basic Biomedical Research, U.N.A.M. 1980. Isolation and characterization of mutations in the glnA region of the E. coli K12 chromosome.; . Masters (M Sc.): Basic Biomedical Research, National Autonomous University of Mexico, 1982.; Characterization of mutations in the glnA region of the E. coli K12 chromosome ; Ph.D.Basic Biomedical Research, National Autonomous University of Mexico, 1988. Analisis of symbiotic plasmids in Rhizobium phaseoli.;

Research Interest

Rhizobium are gram negative bacteria, able to form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of leguminous plants. Specifically, Rhizobium etli interacts with the roots of Phaseolus vulgaris (beans). The genome of the R. etli type strain CFN42 consists of a chromosome and 6 plasmids, varying in size between 180 and 600 Kb. We are interested in: 1- Further analyzing the functions encoded on plasmids. Previously we have found that plasmid encoded information is required for functions such as optimal competitive capacity for nodulation, saprophytic growth, lipopolysaccharide production, and one of the plasmids even seems to contain information which is indispensable for survival. 2- Analyzing the different mechanisms that contribute to symbiotic plasmid transfer, and their regulation. 3- Search for the presence of site-specific recombination systems, similar to the one we found on R. etli CFN42 plasmids; on other Rhizobiacea. This work will contribute to a better understanding of the role of plasmids in the rhizobial life cycle, through the knowledge of plasmid encoded functions, and of the mechanisms that contribute to the distribution of symbiotic plasmids and the elements and conditions that control these processes.