Neisseria meningitidis is structured in clades associated with restriction modification systems that modulate homologous recombination.

ABSTRACT: Molecular data on a limited number of chromosomal loci have shown that the population of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm), a deadly human pathogen, is structured in distinct lineages. Given that the Nm population undergoes substantial recombination, the mechanisms resulting in the evolution of these lineages, their persistence in time, and the implications for the pathogenicity of the bacterium are not yet completely understood. Based on whole-genome sequencing, we show that Nm is structured in phylogenetic clades. Through acquisition of specific genes and through insertions and rearrangements, each clade has acquired and remodeled specific genomic tracts, with the potential to impact on the commensal and virulence behavior of Nm. Despite this clear evidence of a structured population, we confi

SUBMITTER: Budroni S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3060241 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature