Population-associated differences between the phase variable LPS biosynthetic genes of Helicobacter pylori.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Population structures are normally determined using genes under minimal functional selection. In this study we have assessed genes that are not always essential, show differences in alleles between strains, and are involved in the directly host-selectable phenotype of LPS biosynthesis.

Results

Eight complete LPS biosynthesis genes, seven of which are associated with phase variation in some or all strains of Helicobacter pylori, have been sequenced and their divergence analyzed. The differences observed indicate that recombination within these genes largely reflects exchange between strains within the population lineages previously determined on the basis of MLST using housekeeping genes. This indicates that the differences that are used for MLST are likely to broa

SUBMITTER: Salaun L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1599737 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature