Horizontal gene transfer of ftsI, encoding penicillin-binding protein 3, in Haemophilus influenzae.

ABSTRACT: Horizontal gene transfer has been identified in only a small number of genes in Haemophilus influenzae, an organism which is naturally competent for transformation. This report provides evidence for the genetic transfer of the ftsI gene, which encodes penicillin-binding protein 3, in H. influenzae. Mosaic structures of the ftsI gene were found in several clinical isolates of H. influenzae. To identify the origin of the mosaic sequence, complete sequences of the corresponding gene from seven type strains of Haemophilus species were determined. Comparison of these sequences with mosaic regions identified a homologous recombination of the ftsI gene between H. influenzae and Haemophilus haemolyticus. Subsequently, ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae strains harboring identical ftsI sequences we

SUBMITTER: Takahata S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1855551 | biostudies-literature | 2007 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature