In-silico prediction and deep-DNA sequencing validation indicate phase variation in 115 Neisseria meningitidis genes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) chromosome shows a high abundance of simple sequence DNA repeats (SSRs) that undergo stochastic, reversible mutations at high frequency. This mechanism is reflected in an extensive phenotypic diversity that facilitates Nm adaptation to dynamic environmental changes. To date, phase-variable phenotypes mediated by SSRs variation have been experimentally confirmed for 26 Nm genes.

Results

Here we present a population-scale comparative genomic analysis that identified 277 genes and classified them into 52 strong, 60 moderate and 165 weak candidates for phase variation. Deep-coverage DNA sequencing of single colonies grown overnight under non-selective conditions confirmed the presence of high-frequency, stochastic variation in 115 of th

SUBMITTER: Siena E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5084427 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature