Genetic basis for the structural difference between Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 15B and 15C capsular polysaccharides.

ABSTRACT: In a search for the genetic basis for the structural difference between the related Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular serotypes 15B and 15C and for the reported reversible switching between these serotypes, the corresponding capsular polysaccharide synthesis (cps) loci were investigated by keeping in mind that at the structural level, the capsules differ only in O acetylation. The cps locus of a serotype 15B strain was identified, partially PCR amplified with primers based on the related serotype 14 sequence, and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed, among other open reading frames, an intact open reading frame (designated cps15bM) whose product, at the protein level, exhibited characteristics of previously identified acetyltransferases. Genetic analysis of the corresponding region in a s

SUBMITTER: van Selm S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC219561 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature