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Related Experiment Videos

Pathogenicity islands and phages in Vibrio cholerae evolution.

Shah M Faruque1, John J Mekalanos

  • 1Molecular Genetics Laboratory, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh. faruque@icddrd.org

Trends in Microbiology
|November 11, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Pathogenic microorganisms like Vibrio cholerae evolve from nonpathogenic strains through acquiring virulence genes via accessory genetic elements. Understanding these gene transfer events is key to controlling infectious diseases.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Pathogenic microorganisms evolve through the acquisition of virulence genes.
  • Accessory genetic elements like plasmids, phages, and pathogenicity islands play a role in this evolution.
  • Toxigenic Vibrio cholerae serves as a model for understanding pathogen evolution from environmental nonpathogenic strains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of accessory genetic elements in the evolution of pathogenic microorganisms.
  • To understand the mechanisms of virulence gene acquisition and transfer in Vibrio cholerae.
  • To identify secondary genetic elements mediating lateral gene transfer of virulence factors.

Main Methods:

  • Identification and characterization of accessory genetic elements (plasmids, phages, pathogenicity islands).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of virulence-associated genes and their chromosomal locations.
  • Investigation of horizontal gene transfer events and phage-host interactions.

    • Main Results:

    • Virulence genes in Vibrio cholerae are clustered in chromosomal regions and appear to be recently acquired.
    • Phages and horizontal gene transfer are implicated in the acquisition of virulence genes.
    • Interactions between phages can influence the emergence of pathogenic Vibrio cholerae clones.

    Conclusions:

    • The evolution of pathogenic Vibrio cholerae involves the acquisition of virulence genes from external sources.
    • Understanding lateral gene transfer mechanisms is crucial for tracking pathogen evolution.
    • Insights into evolutionary events may offer novel strategies for infectious disease control, including cholera.