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Restriction site polymorphism in genes encoding type 2 but not type 1 gonococcal IgA1 proteases.
M H Mulks1, D A Simpson, R J Shoberg
1Dept. of Microbiology and Public Health, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Neisseria gonorrhoeae IgA1 protease genes show distinct genetic diversity. Type 1 protease genes are highly conserved, while type 2 protease genes exhibit significant variation among different strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae produces IgA1 proteases that cleave human IgA1.
- Two distinct types of IgA1 proteases exist, differing in their cleavage sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the genetic diversity of IgA1 protease genes (iga) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- To compare the genetic variation between type 1 and type 2 IgA1 proteases.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of iga genes from 28 N. gonorrhoeae strains.
- Restriction site mapping of iga genes.
- Comparison of restriction maps between type 1, type 2, and protease-negative strains.
Main Results:
- Nine distinct restriction site patterns were identified in the iga genes.
- All type 1 iga genes displayed identical restriction maps.
- Type 2 iga genes showed significant restriction site polymorphism, contrasting with type 1.
- Protease-negative strains contained DNA homologous to the iga probe.
Conclusions:
- The iga-1 gene in N. gonorrhoeae is highly conserved, showing no variation in restriction maps.
- The iga-2 gene exhibits substantial genetic diversity among N. gonorrhoeae strains.
- Further investigation is needed to understand the lack of diversity in iga-1 genes.