Determining the minimal genome required for pneumococcal virulence

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important human pathogen producing a range of colonization and virulence factors involved in the disease process. We want to understand the absolute minimal requirements for pneumococcus to become virulent and cause disease. To achieve that, the aim of the project is to design and create a Streptococcus pneumoniae strain with a minimal core genome and only essential genes. After generating this pneumococcus strain, known virulence factors will be transplanted back and the genes which are crucial for virulence will be identified. As a side project, the established genome minimization techniques will be applied to defragment the pneumococcal transformation system.