(2006) The complete genome sequence and comparative genome analysis of the high pathogenicity Yersinia enterocolitica strain 8081. PLOS Genetics, Vol.2 (No.12). pp. 2039-2051. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.0020206 ISSN 1553-7390.

Preview

PDF WRAP_Challis_journal.pgen.0020206.pdf - Requires a PDF viewer. Download (1618Kb)

Request Changes to record.

Abstract

The human enteropathogen, Yersinia enterocolitica, is a significant link in the range of Yersinia pathologies extending
from mild gastroenteritis to bubonic plague. Comparison at the genomic level is a key step in our understanding of the
genetic basis for this pathogenicity spectrum. Here we report the genome of Y. enterocolitica strain 8081 (serotype 0:8;
biotype 1B) and extensive microarray data relating to the genetic diversity of the Y. enterocolitica species. Our analysis
reveals that the genome of Y. enterocolitica strain 8081 is a patchwork of horizontally acquired genetic loci, including a
plasticity zone of 199 kb containing an extraordinarily high density of virulence genes. Microarray analysis has
provided insights into species-specific Y. enterocolitica gene functions and the intraspecies differences between the
high, low, and nonpathogenic Y. enterocolitica biotypes. Through comparative genome sequence analysis we provide
new information on the evolution of the Yersinia. We identify numerous loci that represent ancestral clusters of genes
potentially important in enteric survival and pathogenesis, which have been lost or are in the process of being lost, in
the other sequenced Yersinia lineages. Our analysis also highlights large metabolic operons in Y. enterocolitica that are
absent in the related enteropathogen, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, indicating major differences in niche and nutrients
used within the mammalian gut. These include clusters directing, the production of hydrogenases, tetrathionate
respiration, cobalamin synthesis, and propanediol utilisation. Along with ancestral gene clusters, the genome of Y.
enterocolitica has revealed species-specific and enteropathogen-specific loci. This has provided important insights into
the pathology of this bacterium and, more broadly, into the evolution of the genus. Moreover, wider investigations
looking at the patterns of gene loss and gain in the Yersinia have highlighted common themes in the genome evolution
of other human enteropathogens.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	Q Science > QR Microbiology
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Science > Chemistry
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Yersinia enterocolitica -- Genome mapping, Yersinia enterocolitica -- Evolution, Yersinia -- Genetics
Journal or Publication Title:	PLOS Genetics
Publisher:	Public Library of Science
ISSN:	1553-7390
Official Date:	15 December 2006
Dates:	Date Event 15 December 2006 Published
Volume:	Vol.2
Number:	No.12
Page Range:	pp. 2039-2051
DOI:	10.1371/journal.pgen.0020206
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access (Creative Commons)
Funder:	Wellcome Trust (London, England)

Data sourced from Thomson Reuters' Web of Knowledge

Request changes or add full text files to a record

Repository staff actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads