The Moraxella catarrhalis phase-variable DNA methyltransferase ModM3 is an epigenetic regulator that affects bacterial survival in an in vivo model of otitis media.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Moraxella catarrhalis is a leading cause of otitis media (OM) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). M. catarrhalis contains a Type III DNA adenine methyltransferase (ModM) that is phase-variably expressed (i.e., its expression is subject to random, reversible ON/OFF switching). ModM has six target recognition domain alleles (modM1-6), and we have previously shown that modM2 is the predominant allele, while modM3 is associated with OM. Phase-variable DNA methyltransferases mediate epigenetic regulation and modulate pathogenesis in several bacteria. ModM2 of M. catarrhalis regulates the expression of a phasevarion containing genes important for colonization and infection. Here we describe the phase-variable expression of modM3, the ModM3 methylation site and th

SUBMITTER: Blakeway LV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6902483 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature