Analysis of the Lactobacillus casei supragenome and its influence in species evolution and lifestyle adaptation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The broad ecological distribution of L. casei makes it an insightful subject for research on genome evolution and lifestyle adaptation. To explore evolutionary mechanisms that determine genomic diversity of L. casei, we performed comparative analysis of 17 L. casei genomes representing strains collected from dairy, plant, and human sources.

Results

Differences in L. casei genome inventory revealed an open pan-genome comprised of 1,715 core and 4,220 accessory genes. Extrapolation of pan-genome data indicates L. casei has a supragenome approximately 3.2 times larger than the average genome of individual strains. Evidence suggests horizontal gene transfer from other bacterial species, particularly lactobacilli, has been important in adaptation of L. casei to new hab

SUBMITTER: Broadbent JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3496567 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature