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Neisserial pilin genes display extensive interspecies diversity
Ellen L Aho1, Rachel Urwin, April E Batcheller
1Department of Biology, Concordia College, 901 South 8th Street, Moorhead, MN 56562, USA. aho@cord.edu
FEMS Microbiology Letters
|July 13, 2005
Summary
Nonpathogenic Neisseria species possess genetic potential for pili, crucial attachment factors. Their type IV pilin-encoding genes (pilE) are diverse, suggesting horizontal gene transfer played a role in their evolution.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Neisseria species are commonly found associated with host cells.
- The genetic basis for attachment factors, specifically pili, in nonpathogenic Neisseria remains largely unexplored.
- Pili are essential for bacterial adhesion and colonization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and diversity of type IV pilin-encoding genes (pilE) in various nonpathogenic Neisseria species.
- To understand the genetic potential of these bacteria to express pili.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis of Neisseria genomes.
- Identification and characterization of pilE genes across different Neisseria species.
Main Results:
- Type IV pilin-encoding genes (pilE) were detected in a broad spectrum of Neisseria species.
- N. sicca, N. subflava, and N. elongata possess two tandem pilE genes.
- N. polysaccharea, N. mucosa, and N. denitrificans contain a single pilE gene.
- Significant diversity was observed in Neisserial pilE genes.
Conclusions:
- Nonpathogenic Neisseria species harbor the genetic machinery for pili production.
- The high diversity of pilE genes suggests a history of horizontal gene transfer within the Neisseria genus.
- These findings contribute to understanding the evolutionary dynamics and colonization potential of Neisseria.