Pervasive, genome-wide positive selection leading to functional divergence in the bacterial genus Campylobacter.

ABSTRACT: An open question in bacterial genomics is the role that adaptive evolution of the core genome plays in diversification and adaptation of bacterial species, and how this might differ between groups of bacteria occupying different environmental circumstances. The genus Campylobacter encompasses several important human and animal enteric pathogens, with genome sequence data available for eight species. We estimate the Campylobacter core genome at 647 genes, with 92.5% of the nonrecombinant core genome loci under positive selection in at least one lineage and the same gene frequently under positive selection in multiple lineages. Tests are provided that reject recombination, saturation, and variation in codon usage bias as factors contributing to this high level of selection. We suggest this g

SUBMITTER: Lefebure T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2704436 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature