Crucial role for insertion sequence elements in Lactobacillus helveticus evolution as revealed by interstrain genomic

Pawel Kaleta1, John O'Callaghan, Gerald F Fitzgerald

  • 1Teagasc, Moorepark Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland.

Summary

Lactobacillus helveticus exhibits significant genome plasticity, driven by insertion sequence (IS) elements. These elements facilitate gene decay and accelerated evolution, particularly in response to environmental pressures like phage attacks.

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