Related Experiment Videos
Lateral gene transfer in Salmonella
Steffen Porwollik1, Michael McClelland
1Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, 10835 Altman Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA. sporwollik@skcc.org
Microbes and Infection
|August 28, 2003
Summary
Genomic comparisons show Salmonella serovars differ by hundreds of genes, often acquired through lateral gene transfer (LGT). LGT significantly drives Salmonella diversity, potentially contributing a quarter of the S. enterica sv Typhimurium genome.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Salmonella enterica serovars exhibit significant genomic variation.
- This variation is crucial for understanding pathogen evolution and adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genomic differences between Salmonella enterica serovars.
- To determine the role of lateral gene transfer (LGT) in Salmonella diversity.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomics.
- Microarray analysis.
Main Results:
- Hundreds of genes distinguish different Salmonella serovars.
- Variable genome regions show non-clonal distribution patterns.
- Lateral gene transfer (LGT) is a major factor in Salmonella diversity.
- Approximately 25% of the S. enterica sv Typhimurium genome may originate from LGT.
Conclusions:
- Genomic plasticity, driven by LGT, is fundamental to Salmonella serovar evolution.
- Understanding LGT mechanisms is key to controlling Salmonella.
- Comparative genomics provides insights into bacterial adaptation and diversification.