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Genomics of oral bacteria
1Department of Molecular Genetics, The Forsyth Institute, 140 Fenway, Boston, MA 02115, USA. mduncan@forsyth.org
Summary
Bacterial genomics is revolutionizing oral microbiology. Sequencing complete bacterial genomes offers new insights into species relationships, pathogenesis, and therapeutic strategies for oral microbiota.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Oral Biology
Background:
- The discovery of the genetic code and recombinant DNA technologies advanced bacterial genetics.
- The ability to sequence and assemble complete bacterial genomes marks a new revolution in the field.
- Over 200 bacterial genome projects are underway, benefiting oral microbiology research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review features of oral bacterial genomes.
- To emphasize species relationships, comparative genomics, and lateral gene transfer in oral bacteria.
- To highlight the impact of genomics on microbial pathogenesis research and future clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of completed and ongoing bacterial genome projects.
- Comparative genomic analysis of oral bacteria and their relatives.
- Examination of themes including species relationships and lateral gene transfer.
Main Results:
- Genomics provides a powerful tool for understanding oral bacterial species.
- Comparative genomics reveals insights into bacterial evolution and adaptation.
- Lateral gene transfer plays a significant role in oral bacterial populations.
Conclusions:
- Genomics is profoundly impacting basic and clinical research in oral microbiology.
- New therapeutic approaches for oral diseases are emerging from genomic studies.
- The oral microbiota presents unique opportunities for metagenomic and uncultivable bacteria genome sequencing.