The genetic diversity of the dingo, Australia's largest indigenous carnivore, has been a long-standing research interest of Dr. Alan Wilton.
Functional Diversity of HOst-associated Marine Bacteria
Higher marine organisms (e.g. seaweed or sponge) typically host a large diversity and number of bacteria. Recent studies on the phylogenetic diversity of host-associated bacteria has revealed that each host-type might contain a unique and specific bacterial community. While those phylogenetic differences are striking, it is not clear, if the functional properties of the bacteria communities are also different between host types. We have recently started to investigate the functional diversity of host-associated bacteria by whole-environment shotgun sequencing using next-generation sequencing technology.
The aim of this project is to characterise and analyse the functional gene composition of bacterial communities from various host surfaces and to identify functional genes that are unique to particular hosts or common to all host-associated communities. The outcome of this work will define key functional genes that are important for bacterial host-association and will allow monitoring of the ecoystem's stability and health.
BABS personnel that are responsible for this project