Genome Analysis of the Fish Pathogen Lactococcus garvieae
Author Information
Author(s): Morita Hidetoshi, Toh Hidehiro, Oshima Kenshiro, Yoshizaki Mariko, Kawanishi Michiko, Nakaya Kohei, Suzuki Takehito, Miyauchi Eiji, Ishii Yasuo, Tanabe Soichi, Murakami Masaru, Hattori Masahira
Primary Institution: Azabu University
Hypothesis
The capsule gene cluster is crucial for the virulence of Lactococcus garvieae.
Conclusion
The study found that the virulent strain Lg2 of Lactococcus garvieae contains a specific capsule gene cluster that is absent in the non-virulent strain ATCC 49156.
Supporting Evidence
- The virulent strain Lg2 has a 16.5-kb capsule gene cluster absent in the non-virulent strain ATCC 49156.
- Capsulated L. garvieae (KG−) are more virulent than non-capsulated L. garvieae (KG+).
- Disruption of genes in the capsule gene cluster correlates with reduced virulence in the less virulent strain Lg2-S.
- The capsule gene cluster may be a genomic island and is prevalent among lactococci.
- Other potential virulence factors were identified in the Lg2 genome.
Takeaway
This study looked at the genes of a fish germ that makes it sick and found that a special gene cluster helps it be more harmful.
Methodology
The complete genome sequences of virulent and non-virulent strains of Lactococcus garvieae were determined and compared.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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