Differential transcriptome profiling of Bartonella spp. influenced by the species divergence factors

To reveal the differences in transcript levels of Bartonella spp. from different species and hosts and their impacts on phylogenetic relationships, we focus on 27 strains from four Bartonella species (B. henselae, B. koehlerae, B. clarridgeiae and B. quintana) and three hosts (Felis catus, Homo sapiens and Macaca mulatta) to conduct the transcriptome sequencing using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. Gene expression differences between strains from different species and hosts are analyzed, and the results of phylogenetic analysis at the transcriptome and genome levels are compared. The results show significant differences in gene transcription between strains from different species and hosts. Twelve genes are screened, including virB10, bepC and virB4, which may facilitate host-specific recognition. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis based on SNPs within the core genes of the transcriptome demonstrate species-specific clustering patterns among strains. Further analysis indicate that host factors influence the genetic divergence of strains, while geographic factors exert a small impact on this process. These findings are congruent with the phylogenetic analysis of SNPs in the core genes of the genome. Our study uses differential transcriptome analysis to reveal the genetic divergence and phylogenetic relationships of Bartonella species. And the observed regular differences between strains from different species and hosts are found to correspond with the results of traditional genome analysis. Thus, our results indicate the utility of transcriptome data in efficiently investigating the genetic divergence between species.