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Transcriptome Remodeling Contributes to Epidemic Disease Caused by the Human Pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes
Stephen B Beres1, Priyanka Kachroo1, Waleed Nasser1
1Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.
Mbio
|June 2, 2016
Summary
Genetic changes in Streptococcus pyogenes, including horizontal gene transfer, created a more virulent strain causing global epidemics. This research clarifies the molecular evolution driving infectious disease outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Infection Biology
- Evolutionary Genetics
- Genomics
Background:
- Understanding epidemic origins requires studying molecular processes in pathogen evolution.
- Few studies comprehensively analyze population genomics to link pathogen evolution to epidemics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular genetic changes driving the emergence and perpetuation of epidemic Streptococcus pyogenes.
- To understand how pathogen evolution and horizontal gene transfer contribute to epidemic waves.
Main Methods:
- Population pathogenomic analysis of 1,200 Streptococcus pyogenes type emm89 isolates.
- Transcriptome analysis to assess gene expression changes in evolved strains.
Main Results:
- Horizontal gene transfer created a new pathogenic genotype of Streptococcus pyogenes with increased infectivity.
- Epidemic waves of disease occurred on multiple continents due to these genetic changes.
- Transcriptome remodeling led to differential expression of virulence genes and enhanced immune evasion.
Conclusions:
- Molecular evolution, particularly horizontal gene transfer, is a key driver of epidemic bacterial disease.
- Understanding these genetic events enhances knowledge of pathogen emergence and persistence.
- Findings have implications for controlling bacterial epidemics and developing translational research strategies.
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