Genome sequence of Lactobacillus helveticus, an organism distinguished by selective gene loss and insertion sequence element expansion.

ABSTRACT: Mobile genetic elements are major contributing factors to the generation of genetic diversity in prokaryotic organisms. For example, insertion sequence (IS) elements have been shown to specifically contribute to niche adaptation by promoting a variety of genetic rearrangements. The complete genome sequence of the cheese culture Lactobacillus helveticus DPC 4571 was determined and revealed significant conservation compared to three nondairy gut lactobacilli. Despite originating from significantly different environments, 65 to 75% of the genes were conserved between the commensal and dairy lactobacilli, which allowed key niche-specific gene sets to be described. However, the primary distinguishing feature was 213 IS elements in the DPC 4571 genome, 10 times more than for the other lactobacil

SUBMITTER: Callanan M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2223680 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature