Genetic diversity of O-antigen biosynthesis regions in Vibrio cholerae

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2011 Apr;77(7):2247-53. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01663-10. Epub 2011 Feb 11.

Abstract

O-antigen biosynthetic (wbf) regions for Vibrio cholerae serogroups O5, O8, and O108 were isolated and sequenced. Sequences were compared to those of other published V. cholerae O-antigen regions. These wbf regions showed a high degree of heterogeneity both in gene content and in gene order. Genes identified frequently showed greater similarities to polysaccharide biosynthesis genes from species other than V. cholerae. Our results demonstrate the plasticity of O-antigen genes in V. cholerae, the diversity of the genetic pool from which they are drawn, and the likelihood that new pandemic serogroups will emerge.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosynthetic Pathways / genetics*
  • DNA, Bacterial / chemistry
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Gene Order
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • O Antigens / biosynthesis*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Synteny
  • Vibrio cholerae / genetics*
  • Vibrio cholerae / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • O Antigens

Associated data

  • GENBANK/GU576497
  • GENBANK/GU576498
  • GENBANK/GU576499