A network on Clostridia biology
Clostridia are a heterogeneous group of bacteria with diverse actions. They cause diseases such as tetanus and botulism (C. difficile and C. botulinum) but can also be used to treat cancer (C. sporogenes and C. novyi). Also certain Clostridia species are used in the industry for biofuel production such as in the case of C. acetobutylicum. Despite their importance, the basic biology of Clostridia has not been fully elucidated due to fragmented research efforts and lack of communication with the industry. Additionally, inadequate procedures for gene inactivation have impeded the progress of Clostridia-related research. To address these issues, the EU-funded CLOSTNET(opens in new window) consortium brought together 11 Centres of Excellence in academia and industry, across seven different EU countries. The idea was to train new researchers in the field while delineating key aspects in Clostridia biology. One of the project partners developed the revolutionary ClostTron technology. This technology has made it possible to systematically inactivate genes and evaluate their function. Using this unique tool, scientists identified a negative regulator of the botulinum neurotoxin, offering hope for the development of an anti-toxin remedy. Further characterisation of Clostridia led to the identification of virulent factors and novel targets for vaccine development. Given the role of C.difficile in hospital infections, particular emphasis was given on its ability to form biofilms and the genetic determinants of this capacity. With respect to the utilisation of Clostridia in industry, researchers identified new systems involved in regulating production of the biofuel butanol in C. acetobutylicum. These regulatory elements could be commercially exploited to enhance biofuel production. The network on Clostridia research has undoubtedly produced a series of key findings that improve our understanding of Clostridia biology. Implementation of these results in diagnosis, vaccine development and cancer therapy is expected to improve the health of European citizens.
