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The mammalian cell entry operon 1 (mce1) of mycobacterium leprae and mycobacterium tuberculosis
H G Wiker1, E Spierings, M A Kolkman
1Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo, The National Hospital, Oslo, N-0027, Norway.
Abstract:
The genome project on Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv has revealed four mammalian cell entry (MTmce1-4) operons putatively involved with entry and survival of mycobacteria in host cells. A homologous operon to the MTmce1 operon was identified in cosmid B983 of Mycobacterium leprae. By comparison with M. tuberculosis, several mutations, or sequencing errors, were predicted at specific sites causing frame shifts in the MLyrbE1A, MLyrbE1B and MLmce1D genes. Using targeted sequencing, sequence errors were identified. The corrected MLmce1 operon sequence appears to be highly homologous to the MTmce1 operon, and similarly encodes eight potential genes. Thus, both M. tuberculosis and M. leprae mce1 operons may be functional and involved in host cell targeting.
Insights
Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae share functional mammalian cell entry (mce1) operons. These operons are crucial for mycobacteria
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv genome contains four mammalian cell entry (MTmce1-4) operons.
- These operons are hypothesized to play a role in mycobacterial entry and survival within host cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and functionality of a homologous operon in Mycobacterium leprae.
- To correct sequencing errors in the identified Mycobacterium leprae mce1 operon.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomic analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae.
- Targeted sequencing to identify and correct sequence errors.
Main Results:
- A homologous mce1 operon was identified in Mycobacterium leprae.
- Sequence errors causing frame shifts in key genes were identified and corrected.
- The corrected Mycobacterium leprae mce1 operon shows high homology to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis counterpart and encodes eight potential genes.
Conclusions:
- Both Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae mce1 operons are likely functional.
- The mce1 operons in both species may be involved in host cell targeting by mycobacteria.