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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.
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.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial genomics
- Molecular evolution
Background:
- Lactobacillus helveticus is a dairy bacterium with diverse genotypes.
- Recent genome sequencing revealed high flexibility, marked by insertion sequence (IS) element expansion and gene decay.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess genome diversity and plasticity in Lactobacillus helveticus.
- To investigate the role of insertion sequence elements in bacterial genome evolution.
Main Methods:
- Array-based comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) was used to analyze 10 Lactobacillus helveticus strains.
- Identification and analysis of open reading frames (ORFs) flanked by IS elements.
Main Results:
- aCGH identified 16 clusters of ORFs associated with IS elements.
- Four ORF clusters linked to restriction/modification systems may drive rapid evolution.
- Abundant IS elements (IS1201, ISL2, ISLhe1, ISLhe2, ISLhe65, ISLhe63) were found in IS-flanked clusters.
Conclusions:
- Insertion sequence elements are key drivers of Lactobacillus helveticus genome plasticity.
- IS elements contribute to bacterial adaptation and evolution in diverse ecosystems.
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