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Updated: Mar 27, 2026
Mouse Models Of Helicobacter Infection And Gastric Pathologies
Published on: October 18, 2018
The Complete Genome Sequence of the Murine Pathobiont Helicobacter typhlonius
Jeroen Frank1, Celia Dingemanse2, Arnoud M Schmitz1
1Leiden Genome Technology Center, Leiden University Medical Center Leiden, Netherlands.
Background:
Immuno-compromised mice infected with Helicobacter typhlonius are used to model microbially inducted inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The specific mechanism through which H. typhlonius induces and promotes IBD is not fully understood. Access to the genome sequence is essential to examine emergent properties of this organism, such as its pathogenicity. To this end, we present the complete genome sequence of H. typhlonius MIT 97-6810, obtained through single-molecule real-time sequencing.
Results:
The genome was assembled into a single circularized contig measuring 1.92 Mbp with an average GC content of 38.8%. In total 2,117 protein-encoding genes and 43 RNA genes were identified. Numerous pathogenic features were found, including a putative pathogenicity island (PAIs) containing components of type IV secretion system, virulence-associated proteins and cag PAI protein. We compared the genome of H. typhlonius to those of the murine pathobiont H. hepaticus and human pathobiont H. pylori. H. typhlonius resembles H. hepaticus most with 1,594 (75.3%) of its genes being orthologous to genes in H. hepaticus. Determination of the global methylation state revealed eight distinct recognition motifs for adenine and cytosine methylation. H. typhlonius shares four of its recognition motifs with H. pylori.
Conclusion:
The complete genome sequence of H. typhlonius MIT 97-6810 enabled us to identify many pathogenic features suggesting that H. typhlonius can act as a pathogen. Follow-up studies are necessary to evaluate the true nature of its pathogenic capabilities. We found many methylated sites and a plethora of restriction-modification systems. The genome, together with the methylome, will provide an essential resource for future studies investigating gene regulation, host interaction and pathogenicity of H. typhlonius. In turn, this work can contribute to unraveling the role of Helicobacter in enteric disease.
Insights
The genome of Helicobacter typhlonius was sequenced, revealing pathogenic features that may explain its role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This provides a resource for studying Helicobacter
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Pathogen Research
Background:
- Helicobacter typhlonius is used to model microbially induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice.
- The precise mechanisms by which H. typhlonius causes IBD remain unclear.
- Genome sequencing is crucial for understanding the organism's pathogenic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the complete genome sequence of H. typhlonius MIT 97-6810.
- To identify genetic factors contributing to the pathogenicity of H. typhlonius.
- To provide a genomic resource for future research on Helicobacter-associated diseases.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) technology.
- Bioinformatic analysis for genome assembly, gene identification, and comparative genomics.
- Determination of the global DNA methylation state.
Main Results:
- A 1.92 Mbp circular genome was assembled, containing 2,117 protein-encoding and 43 RNA genes.
- Identification of numerous pathogenic features, including a pathogenicity island (PAI) with a type IV secretion system.
- Comparative analysis revealed high genetic similarity to H. hepaticus and shared methylation motifs with H. pylori.
Conclusions:
- The genome sequence reveals significant pathogenic potential in H. typhlonius.
- The identified pathogenic features warrant further investigation into H. typhlonius's role in IBD.
- The genome and methylome offer a valuable resource for studying gene regulation, host interaction, and pathogenicity.
