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Genetic systems for studying obligate intracellular pathogens: an update
David O Wood1, Raphael R Wood1, Aimee M Tucker1
1Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, 501 Aubrey Green Drive, Mobile, AL 36688-0002, United States.
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|March 4, 2014
Summary
Genetic manipulation of obligate intracellular bacteria has rapidly advanced since 2011. New tools and techniques are now applied to study bacterial pathogenicity and intracellular growth requirements.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens present unique challenges for genetic manipulation.
- Recent years have seen significant progress in developing genetic tools for these organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize advancements in genetic manipulation of obligate intracellular bacteria published since 2011.
- To highlight the application of these techniques in understanding pathogenicity and growth.
Main Methods:
- Review of published literature since 2011 focusing on genetic manipulation techniques.
- Analysis of methods applied to diverse genera of obligate intracellular pathogens.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of amenability of various genera to genetic analysis.
- Shift from technique development to application in answering biological questions.
Conclusions:
- Genetic manipulation is increasingly feasible for obligate intracellular bacteria.
- These advancements facilitate crucial research into bacterial pathogenicity and survival mechanisms.
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