Massive gene acquisitions in Mycobacterium indicus pranii provide a perspective on mycobacterial evolution.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the evolutionary and genomic mechanisms responsible for turning the soil-derived saprophytic mycobacteria into lethal intracellular pathogens is a critical step towards the development of strategies for the control of mycobacterial diseases. In this context, Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP) is of specific interest because of its unique immunological and evolutionary significance. Evolutionarily, it is the progenitor of opportunistic pathogens belonging to M. avium complex and is endowed with features that place it between saprophytic and pathogenic species. Herein, we have sequenced the complete MIP genome to understand its unique life style, basis of immunomodulation and habitat diversification in mycobacteria. As a case of massive gene acquisitions, 50.5% of MIP open read

SUBMITTER: Saini V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3505973 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature