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Evidence for a DNA inversion system in Bordetella pertussis
P A Foxall1, B S Drasar, C J Duggleby
1Department of Medical Microbiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, U.K.
FEMS Microbiology Letters
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Bordetella pertussis may alter virulence gene expression through a DNA inversion system. This mechanism could explain changes in serotype conversion and virulence phase in the bacterium.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Bordetella pertussis virulence gene expression can be lost via phase variation, antigenic modulation, or serotype conversion.
- The precise mechanisms underlying these alterations in gene expression remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential DNA inversion systems in Bordetella pertussis.
- To explore the role of such systems in virulence phase changes and serotype conversion.
Main Methods:
- Probing Bordetella pertussis chromosomal DNA with cloned pin genes (Escherichia coli) and hin genes (Salmonella typhimurium).
- Conducting DNA duplex melting temperature experiments to assess homology.
- Performing Southern blots using the hin gene probe.
Main Results:
- Significant homology was detected between Bordetella pertussis chromosomal DNA and both Escherichia coli pin and Salmonella typhimurium hin DNA inversion genes.
- Southern blot analysis revealed homology between the hin gene probe and a 15 kb EcoRI fragment of B. pertussis DNA.
Conclusions:
- Bordetella pertussis likely possesses a DNA inversion system.
- This system is postulated to be responsible for serotype conversion or virulence phase changes in B. pertussis.