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A Comparative Approach to Characterize the Landscape of Host-Pathogen Protein-Protein Interactions

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Published on: July 18, 2013

Horizontal gene transfer: sustaining pathogenicity and optimizing host-pathogen interactions.

Clarence I Kado¹

¹Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. cikado@ucdavis.edu

Molecular Plant Pathology

|January 24, 2009

Summary

Pathogenicity islands (PAIs) and metabolic islands (MAIs) are crucial gene sets enabling pathogens to infect hosts. Horizontal and lateral gene transfer facilitate the acquisition of these islands, enhancing pathogen survival.

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Using a Bacterial Pathogen to Probe for Cellular and Organismic-level Host Responses

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Published on: February 22, 2019

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Genetics
Evolutionary Biology

Background:

Host-pathogen interactions rely on specific gene clusters in pathogens.
Pathogenicity islands (PAIs) and metabolic islands (MAIs) are key to pathogen success.
These islands facilitate host recognition, immune evasion, colonization, and dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of PAIs and MAIs in host-pathogen interactions.
To explore the origins and mechanisms of PAI and MAI acquisition.
To understand how gene transfer events contribute to pathogen fitness.

Main Methods:

Analysis of complete genome sequences of plant pathogenic bacteria.
Examination of gene island structures, including nucleotide composition and codon usage.
Comparative genomics to identify foreign gene acquisition.

Main Results:

PAIs and MAIs are present in plant pathogenic bacteria.
These islands exhibit mosaic structures indicative of horizontal gene transfer.
Evidence suggests acquisition from diverse donors, including Archaea and Eukarya.
Horizontal gene transfer (interdomain) and lateral gene transfer (intradomain) events were identified.

Conclusions:

PAIs and MAIs are essential for pathogen virulence and survival.
Horizontal and lateral gene transfer are significant mechanisms for acquiring these islands.
Gene transfer events enhance the adaptive capabilities and fitness of pathogens.