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Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus
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Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus

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Lateral gene transfer of streptococcal ICE element RD2 (region of difference 2) encoding secreted proteins

Izabela Sitkiewicz1, Nicole M Green, Nina Guo

  • 1Department of Pathology, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA. iza.sitkiewicz@gmail.com

BMC Microbiology
|April 5, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The novel Region of Difference 2 (RD2) genetic element in Group A Streptococcus (GAS) disseminates through lateral gene transfer. This element, found in various streptococcal strains, is linked to human infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Group A Streptococcus (GAS) serotype M28 strain MGAS6180 harbors a novel genetic element, Region of Difference 2 (RD2).
  • RD2 encodes seven putative secreted extracellular proteins and is found in M28 strains and other GAS serotypes linked to urogenital infections.
  • RD2-like regions are present in Group B Streptococcus and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, suggesting broader dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the nature and dissemination of the RD2 genetic element in streptococci.
  • To determine the transferability and prevalence of RD2 in different streptococcal species and strains.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the RD2 element's presence as chromosomal and extrachromosomal forms in GAS.
  • Experimental transfer of RD2 between GAS strains using filter mating.
  • Induction of RD2 copy number increase with mitomycin C treatment.
  • PCR-based identification of RD2-like regions in other streptococcal species.

Main Results:

  • RD2 was successfully transferred from GAS M28 to M1 and M4 serotypes.
  • Mitomycin C treatment significantly increased the copy number of the RD2 element.
  • RD2-like regions were identified in Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis from invasive human infections.

Conclusions:

  • The RD2 element is capable of lateral gene transfer among diverse streptococcal strains.
  • This horizontal gene transfer facilitates the dissemination of RD2 to genetically distinct, human-pathogenic streptococci.

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