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Linkage of the horizontally acquired ypm and pil genes in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

François Collyn1, Hiroshi Fukushima, Christophe Carnoy

  • 1Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France.

Infection and Immunity
|March 24, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis acquired the superantigen-encoding ypm gene and type IV pilus (pil) gene cluster. PCR analysis of 270 strains showed a strong link between these genes in environmental and animal isolates.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is an important bacterial pathogen.
  • Lateral gene transfer is a key mechanism in bacterial evolution.
  • Type IV pili are crucial virulence factors in many bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the acquisition of the ypm gene and pil gene cluster in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
  • To determine the prevalence and association of these genes in diverse isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were performed.
  • 270 unrelated Yersinia pseudotuberculosis strains were analyzed.
  • Strains were sourced from various environmental and animal origins.

Main Results:

  • The ypm gene and pil gene cluster were found to be laterally acquired by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
  • A significant association between the presence of ypm and pil genes was observed.
  • These genes were prevalent in isolates from both environmental and animal sources.

Conclusions:

  • The co-occurrence of ypm and pil genes suggests a potential functional or evolutionary link.
  • Lateral gene transfer has contributed to the genetic makeup of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
  • Understanding gene acquisition provides insights into bacterial adaptation and virulence.

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