The main objective of the project is the creation of a genomic platform of bacterial ecotypes positively involved in food production or representing a potential risk factor. Detailed information on these bacterial species allowed us to develop specific methods for their detection and monitoring in food matrices, as well as to study the mechanisms of gene regulation in different habitats and in specific growth conditions . The data, integrated with the results obtained through the complete genome sequence of selected ecotypes and transcriptome analyses, allowed us : (i) the obtainment of important knowledge about the presence and expression of virulence factors in pathogenic microorganisms (ii) the identification and preservation of ecotypes which may represent new starter cultures for innovative fermentation processes . In particular , research has focused on ecotypes belonging to the species
Lactococcus garvieae , Enterococcus italicus , E. faecium , Clostridium tyrobutyricum , C. sporogenes , Lactobacillus paracasei , L. rhamnosus , Bacillus cereu
s.