Homologous Recombination between Genetically Divergent Campylobacter fetus Lineages Supports Host-Associated Speciation.

ABSTRACT: Homologous recombination is a major driver of bacterial speciation. Genetic divergence and host association are important factors influencing homologous recombination. Here, we study these factors for Campylobacter fetus, which shows a distinct intraspecific host dichotomy. Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus (Cff) and venerealis are associated with mammals, whereas C. fetus subsp. testudinum (Cft) is associated with reptiles. Recombination between these genetically divergent C. fetus lineages is extremely rare. Previously it was impossible to show whether this barrier to recombination was determined by the differential host preferences, by the genetic divergence between both lineages or by other factors influencing recombination, such as restriction-modification, CRISPR/Cas, and transfor

SUBMITTER: Gilbert MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5830970 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature