Evolutionary relationships of Fusobacterium nucleatum based on phylogenetic analysis and comparative genomics.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The phylogenetic position and evolutionary relationships of Fusobacteria remain uncertain. Especially intriguing is their relatedness to low G+C Gram positive bacteria (Firmicutes) by ribosomal molecular phylogenies, but their possession of a typical gram negative outer membrane. Taking advantage of the recent completion of the Fusobacterium nucleatum genome sequence we have examined the evolutionary relationships of Fusobacterium genes by phylogenetic analysis and comparative genomics tools.

Results

The data indicate that Fusobacterium has a core genome of a very different nature to other bacterial lineages, and branches out at the base of Firmicutes. However, depending on the method used, 35-56% of Fusobacterium genes appear to have a xenologous origin from bact

SUBMITTER: Mira A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC535925 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature