Population genetics and linkage analysis of loci within the FCT region of Streptococcus pyogenes.

ABSTRACT: The FCT regions of Streptococcus pyogenes strains encode a variety of cell wall-anchored surface proteins that bind the extracellular matrix of the human host and/or give rise to pilus-like appendages. Strong linkage is evident between transcription-regulatory loci positioned within the FCT and emm regions and the emm pattern genotype marker for preferred infection of the throat or skin. These findings provide a basis for the hypothesis that FCT region gene products contribute to tissue-specific infection. In an initial series of steps to address this possibility, the FCT regions of 13 strains underwent comparative sequence analysis, the gene content of the FCT region was characterized for 113 strains via PCR, and genetic linkage was assessed. A history of extensive recombination within FC

SUBMITTER: Kratovac Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1797367 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature