Phase variable DNA repeats in Neisseria gonorrhoeae influence transcription, translation, and protein sequence variation.

ABSTRACT: There are many types of repeated DNA sequences in the genomes of the species of the genus Neisseria, from homopolymeric tracts to tandem repeats of hundreds of bases. Some of these have roles in the phase-variable expression of genes. When a repeat mediates phase variation, reversible switching between tract lengths occurs, which in the species of the genus Neisseria most often causes the gene to switch between on and off states through frame shifting of the open reading frame. Changes in repeat tract lengths may also influence the strength of transcription from a promoter. For phenotypes that can be readily observed, such as expression of the surface-expressed Opa proteins or pili, verification that repeats are mediating phase variation is relatively straightforward. For oth

SUBMITTER: Zelewska MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5320596 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature