Host-pathogen o-methyltransferase similarity and its specific presence in highly virulent strains of Francisella tularensis suggests molecular mimicry.

ABSTRACT: Whole genome comparative studies of many bacterial pathogens have shown an overall high similarity of gene content (>95%) between phylogenetically distinct subspecies. In highly clonal species that share the bulk of their genomes subtle changes in gene content and small-scale polymorphisms, especially those that may alter gene expression and protein-protein interactions, are more likely to have a significant effect on the pathogen's biology. In order to better understand molecular attributes that may mediate the adaptation of virulence in infectious bacteria, a comparative study was done to further analyze the evolution of a gene encoding an o-methyltransferase that was previously identified as a candidate virulence factor due to its conservation specifically in highly pathogenic Francisel

SUBMITTER: Champion MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3102702 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature