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Characterization of IS1167, a new insertion sequence in Streptococcus pneumoniae
L Zhou1, F M Hui, D A Morrison
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois 60607-7020, USA.
Plasmid
|March 1, 1995
Summary
A novel insertion sequence, IS1167, was discovered in Streptococcus pneumoniae. This mobile genetic element is present in multiple copies across various strains, suggesting its potential role in bacterial genome evolution.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant human pathogen.
- Insertion sequences (IS) are mobile genetic elements that contribute to genome plasticity.
- Understanding IS elements is crucial for deciphering bacterial evolution and adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel insertion sequence in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- To investigate the distribution and copy number of this IS element in different pneumococcal isolates.
- To analyze the genetic features and potential function of the novel IS element.
Main Methods:
- Genome sequencing and analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains.
- Southern blot hybridization to detect IS element presence and copy number.
- Sequence analysis of open reading frames and comparison with known transposases.
Main Results:
- A new 1435-bp insertion sequence, designated IS1167, was identified in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- IS1167 possesses 24-bp terminal inverted repeats and is flanked by 8-bp direct repeats.
- Multiple copies (3-12) of IS1167 were detected in 11 out of 22 independent pneumococcal isolates, exhibiting nine distinct hybridization patterns.
- IS1167 contains two overlapping open reading frames with strong similarity to transposases of related IS elements from Staphylococcus and Mycobacterium.
Conclusions:
- IS1167 represents a novel mobile genetic element in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- The widespread distribution and variable copy number of IS1167 suggest its active role in pneumococcal genome dynamics.
- The deduced transposase shows homology to known IS elements, indicating a potential for transposition and contribution to genetic variation in S. pneumoniae.