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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
11:40
Preparation of the Mgm101 Recombination Protein by MBP-based Tagging Strategy
Published on: June 25, 2013
Evidence for recombination in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Xiaoming Liu1, Michaela M Gutacker, James M Musser
1Human Genetics Center, University of Texas at Houston, P.O. Box 20186, Houston, TX 77225, USA.
Journal of Bacteriology
|September 26, 2006
Summary
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is largely clonal, but recombination between strains occurs. A recombination hotspot near the MT0105 gene may drive diversity in this important pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis is predominantly clonal due to its isolated lifestyle.
- Recombination is considered rare and non-essential for M. tuberculosis survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of recombination in the evolution of M. tuberculosis.
- To identify potential recombination hotspots within the M. tuberculosis genome.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 36 synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 3,320 isolates.
- Further genotyping of 175 intergenic and 234 synonymous SNPs in 37 representative strains.
Main Results:
- Confirmed the overall clonal structure of M. tuberculosis populations.
- Identified a mosaic polymorphic pattern upstream of the MT0105 locus, suggesting a recombination hotspot.
- Observed significant genetic diversity associated with this region.
Conclusions:
- Recombination, particularly around the MT0105 gene, likely plays a significant role in M. tuberculosis evolution and diversity.
- The MT0105 locus may be a key area for adaptation and host-pathogen interactions.
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