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Identification of a chimeric emm gene and novel emm pattern in currently circulating strains of emm4 Group A

Sruti DebRoy1, Xiqi Li1, Awdhesh Kalia2

  • 11​Department of Infectious Diseases Infection Control and Employee Health, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.

Microbial Genomics
|November 10, 2018
PubMed

Insights

A novel gene fusion in Group A Streptococcus (GAS) emm4 strains, the emm-enn fusion, has rapidly replaced older strains. This discovery has significant implications for developing new GAS vaccines.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Group A Streptococcus (GAS) classification relies on emm gene sequencing and emm patterns.
  • emm4 GAS strains were historically categorized under pattern E.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a novel emm pattern in emm4 GAS.
  • To investigate the genetic basis and epidemiological spread of this new pattern.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of emm gene sequences from GAS strains.
  • Identification of gene fusion events using molecular techniques.
  • Epidemiological surveillance data analysis.

Main Results:

  • A novel emm pattern was discovered in emm4 GAS, resulting from an emm-enn gene fusion.
  • This emm-enn fusion was identified in 51 of 52 emm4 GAS strains from national surveillance in 2015.
  • The emm-enn fusion strains completely replaced pattern E emm4 strains in Houston between 2013 and 2017.

Conclusions:

  • The emm-enn gene fusion represents a significant evolutionary event in GAS.
  • This novel emm pattern has potential implications for the development of new GAS vaccines.
Keywords:
chimeric M proteinemm patternemm/enn gene fusion eventgroup A Streptococcus

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