Recipients
Kerri Kobryn
Lyme disease is an important emerging infection in Canada. It can cause serious neurological complications and arthritis in the misdiagnosed and untreated. Additionally, up to 10 per cent of treated patients experience chronic symptoms after the bacterial infection has apparently been eradicated. Recently, the only human vaccine was withdrawn from the market, thereby restricting preventative options. Dr. Kerri Kobryn is conducting research to precipitate an alternative treatment.
The bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease. Blacklegged ticks contract the disease when they bite mice or deer that are infected, and they transmit it to humans by biting them. While most bacteria have one large circular DNA that makes up their chromosome, Borrelia burgdorferi is unusual in having several different linear DNAs. A closed DNA hairpin terminates each of these linear elements. Dr. Kobryn is studying the biochemical basis of the formation of the DNA hairpins to determine if either their formation or maintenance can be compromised. If he is successful in hampering the DNA’s ability to replicate successfully, the bacteria may be unable to survive.
Dr. Kobryn believes his study of DNA hairpin formation and maintenance may contribute to the development of Borrelia-specific drugs for the prevention or treatment of Lyme disease
