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Phase variation: evolution of a controlling element.

M Simon, J Zieg, M Silverman

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |September 19, 1980
    PubMed
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    Bacterial phase variation uses DNA inversion to control flagellar gene expression. This process, mediated by the hin gene, may have evolved from transposon elements.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Bacterial genetics
    • Molecular biology

    Background:

    • Phase variation in bacteria regulates gene expression.
    • Homologous recombination at specific DNA sites drives this process.
    • A 970-base-pair DNA sequence inversion controls flagellar gene transcription.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the mechanism of phase variation in bacteria.
    • To identify the genetic elements involved in DNA inversion.
    • To explore the evolutionary origins of the phase variation system.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of homologous recombination at specific DNA sites.
    • Identification and characterization of the hin gene and its product.
    • Comparative genomics to assess homology with other genetic elements.

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    Main Results:

    • The hin gene product mediates the inversion of a 970-bp DNA segment containing a flagellar gene promoter.
    • The invertible segment is flanked by specific recombination sites.
    • The hin gene shows homology to TnpR (Tn3 transposon) and gin (bacteriophage mu).

    Conclusions:

    • Bacterial phase variation is controlled by site-specific DNA inversion.
    • The hin gene is a key mediator of this inversion.
    • The system likely evolved from the association and specialization of transposon and resident genes for regulating flagellar antigen expression.