Related Experiment Videos
A cryptic plasmid from Pasteurella multocida has a predicted protein nearly identical to a transport protein from
1Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46285, USA.
Abstract:
Several plasmids from Pasteurella multocida have been shown to carry antibiotic resistance genes but no other genes possibly related to the organism's pathogenesis. We report here that sequence from the plasmid pLEM from a fowl isolate of P. multocida, strain 1059, contained one open reading frame that had significant identity with a predicted protein from pVT745, a plasmid that was isolated from a human oral isolate of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. This predicted protein had significant homology at the amino acid level to cation transport proteins.
Insights
Researchers discovered a novel gene on a Pasteurella multocida plasmid with similarities to cation transport proteins. This finding may offer new insights into the pathogenesis of this bacterium.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Plasmids in Pasteurella multocida are known to carry antibiotic resistance genes.
- However, other genes on these plasmids, particularly those related to pathogenesis, have not been extensively characterized.
- The plasmid pLEM from a fowl isolate (strain 1059) was investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel genes present on the Pasteurella multocida plasmid pLEM.
- To investigate potential functional roles of identified genes in relation to bacterial pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Sequence analysis of the plasmid pLEM from Pasteurella multocida strain 1059.
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify open reading frames (ORFs).
- Homology searches using protein databases to determine the function of identified ORFs.
Main Results:
- One ORF on pLEM showed significant sequence identity to a predicted protein from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans plasmid pVT745.
- The predicted protein exhibited significant amino acid homology to known cation transport proteins.
- This suggests a potential role in ion transport, which could be relevant to Pasteurella multocida pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- A novel gene with homology to cation transport proteins was identified on the Pasteurella multocida plasmid pLEM.
- This finding expands the known genetic repertoire of P. multocida plasmids beyond antibiotic resistance.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise function and pathogenic relevance of this cation transport protein homologue.