Burkholderia: From Genomes to Function

Burkholderia are a multi-faceted group of bacteria with considerable genetic and metabolic diversity and very versatile lifestyles. Some species are regarded as beneficial as they possess traits such as an ability to promote plant growth or kill pest organisms or fix nitrogen or degrade man-made pollutants. Others, however, are important pathogens and include species such as B. mallei and B. pseudomallei, considered to be potential biological weapons. The application of high-throughput sequencing and 'omics' technologies in recent years has allowed research on Burkholderia species to advance at an unprecedented pace permitting fascinating new insights into the molecular and cellular biology of this highly variable group of bacteria. In this book leading international investigators review key advances in Burkholderia research to provide timely overview. The topics covered include: genomic taxonomy and biodiversity, comparative genomics, molecular epidemiology, transcriptomics, proteomics, molecular pathogenesis of virulence in B. mallei/B. pseudomallei and the Burkholderia cepacia complex, molecular basis of phytopathogenicity and antibiotic resistance, signalling and biofilms, and the genomic biology of Burkholderia phages. The theme underpinning each chapter is the use of DNA/protein sequence data and post-genomic technologies to understand Burkholderia biology. Essential reading for everyone working with these and related bacteria.