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Heuristic Mining of Hierarchical Genotypes and Accessory Genome Loci in Bacterial Populations
Published on: December 7, 2021
gbpC gene repertoire variation among mutans Streptococci
Yuki Kojima1, Kazuko Okamoto-Shibayama, Yutaka Sato
1Department of Biochemistry and Oral Health Science Center, Tokyo Dental College, 1-2-2 Masago, Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-8502, Japan.
The Bulletin of Tokyo Dental College
|July 14, 2012
Summary
The glucan-binding protein C (gbpC) and downstream binding protein (dbl) genes in mutans streptococci were investigated. Phylogenetic analysis revealed an orthologous relationship, clarifying gene evolution in these dental caries pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Oral Health
Background:
- Streptococcus mutans possesses one glucan-binding wall-anchored protein gene (gbpC).
- Streptococcus sobrinus exhibits four gbpC homologues, with their evolutionary relationship to other mutans streptococci unclear.
- The prevalence and evolutionary origins of gbpC/dbl genes in various mutans streptococci remain to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and sequence gbpC/dbl genes in Streptococcus downei and Streptococcus criceti.
- To determine the evolutionary relationship of gbpC/dbl genes among mutans streptococci.
- To investigate the presence of additional dbl homologues in Streptococcus sobrinus.
Main Methods:
- Gene sequencing of gbpC/dbl homologues in Streptococcus downei and Streptococcus criceti.
- Phylogenetic analysis of gbpC/dbl gene sequences.
- Comparative genomic analysis of mutans streptococci.
Main Results:
- Streptococcus downei harbors five gbpC/dbl homologues.
- Streptococcus criceti possesses four gbpC/dbl homologues.
- An additional dbl homologue, dblC, was identified in some Streptococcus sobrinus strains.
- Phylogenetic analysis supports an orthologous relationship for gbpC and dbl genes in these species.
Conclusions:
- The gbpC and dbl gene families have undergone expansion and diversification within mutans streptococci.
- The identified gbpC/dbl homologues in Streptococcus downei and Streptococcus criceti are orthologous, providing insights into gene evolution.
- Understanding the evolution of these genes is crucial for developing targeted strategies against dental caries.
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