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Shiga toxin-encoding bacteriophages--genomes in motion.
Sylvia Herold1, Helge Karch, Herbert Schmidt
1Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, D-01037 Dresden, Germany.
International Journal of Medical Microbiology : IJMM
|October 21, 2004
Summary
Shiga toxins (Stx) are bacterial toxins causing disease in humans and animals. Shiga toxin-converting phages (Stx-phages) control Stx production and spread, impacting bacterial evolution.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Shiga toxins (Stx) are potent bacterial toxins implicated in human and animal diseases.
- These toxins are primarily produced by specific strains of Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae type 1.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the genetic basis and regulatory mechanisms of Shiga toxin production.
- To understand the role of bacteriophages in the dissemination and evolution of Shiga toxin genes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the genetic organization of Stx-converting bacteriophages (Stx-phages).
- Investigation of the regulation of stx gene expression by phage genes.
- Examination of the mobility and horizontal gene transfer capabilities of Stx-phages.
Main Results:
- Shiga toxin genes are encoded within heterogeneous lambdoid prophages (Stx-phages).
- Stx gene expression is regulated by phage genes and induced upon prophage activation.
- Stx-phages act as mobile genetic elements facilitating horizontal gene transfer and genome diversification.
Conclusions:
- Stx-converting phages are key regulators of Shiga toxin production.
- These phages play a significant role in bacterial pathogenicity and evolution through horizontal gene transfer.