Multiple chromosomal loci for the babA gene in Helicobacter pylori.

ABSTRACT: Helicobacter pylori babA encodes an outer membrane protein that binds to fucosylated Lewis b blood group antigen. We analyzed a panel of 35 H. pylori strains and identified three possible chromosomal loci for babA. There was a significant association between the presence of babA and the presence of cagA (P = 0.0001). Phylogenetic analysis of babA alleles revealed two divergent families of signal sequences. Among 17 strains in which an intact in-frame babA allele was identified, 10 expressed a detectable BabA protein. Expression of a BabA protein and the Lewis b-binding phenotype were not dependent on the chromosomal locus of babA. These data indicate that there is marked heterogeneity among H. pylori strains in babA genetic content and BabA expression.

SUBMITTER: Hennig EE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1459736 | biostudies-literature | 2006 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature