Minimizing the Genome of Escherichia Coli

Bacteria contain numerous genes and complex regulatory systems that are necessary for survival in nature, but are not required for growth under controlled conditions in a bioreactor. The inherent complexity of bacteria makes bioprocess development unpredictable and modeling of bacterial growth and metabolism difficult. The goal of this project is to reduce the complexity of Escherichia coli, the best understood bacterium and one of industrial importance. This will be carried out by selective deletions of the genome of the bacterium. Successful deletions will be those that allow normal growth on a defined medium.