Environmental Genetics

Dr. Roland Brousseau
Tel.: (514) 496-6152
Fax: (514) 496-6312
E-mail: roland.brousseau@cnrc-nrc.gc.ca
biography

Group Fact Sheet (pdf)

The Environmental Genetics group studies pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria and viruses, with a view to harnessing the power of genetics to develop environmentally friendly technologies. The group leads work on the identification, testing and genetic characterization of microorganisms, in order to understand the role they play in causing and preventing disease, and in sustaining the balance of life. The research team applies unique skills and the world's finest DNA tools, to determine the mode of action and improve the efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis, a safe, natural bioinsecticide which can be used to combat the spruce budworm and a wide range of other insects that prey on forest and plant life around the world. In addition, the group uses DNA microarray technology to support research into the detection and identification of pathogen and non-pathogen microorganisms isolated from environmental and wastewater sites. The group has done pioneering work characterizing the more than 100 virulence genes of different strains of Escherichia coli, which have an important impact on human and animal health as well as the quality of food and water. The research team also uses microorganisms and microbial diversity as environmental tools in bioremediation, gene discovery, and clean technology applications.

Lemarchand K, Masson L, Brousseau R (2004) Molecular Biology and DNA Microarray Technology for Microbial Quality Monitoring of Water. Crit. Rev. Microbiol. 30: 145-172.

Maynard C, Fairbrother JM, Bekal S, Sanschagrin F, Levesque RC, Brousseau R, Masson L, Larivière S, Harel J (2003) Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli O149:K91 Isolated from Pigs over a 23-year Period. Antimicrob. Agents Chem. 47: 3214-3221.

Bekal S, Brousseau R, Masson L, Prefontaine G, Fairbrother J, Harel J (2003) Rapid Identification of E. coli Pathotypes through Virulence Gene Detection by DNA Microarrays . J. Clin. Microbiol. 41: 2113-2125.

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