Evolution of DNA Uptake in Pasteurellaceae Bacteria
Author Information
Author(s): Redfield Rosemary J, Findlay Wendy A, Bossé Janine, Kroll J Simon, Cameron Andrew DS, Nash John HE
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
The study investigates the evolutionary history and function of natural competence and DNA uptake specificity in the Pasteurellaceae family of bacteria.
Conclusion
Competence and DNA uptake specificity are ancestral properties of the Pasteurellaceae, with distinct uptake signal sequences (USSs) characterizing two major subclades.
Supporting Evidence
- All species contained homologues of all known H. influenzae competence genes, indicating an ancestral origin of competence.
- Competence gene defects were identified in three species, suggesting recent loss of competence.
- The study confirmed that USSs arise by mutation rather than copying, based on protein alignments.
- DNA uptake experiments demonstrated that A. pleuropneumoniae preferentially takes up DNA fragments containing its own USS.
Takeaway
Some bacteria can take in DNA from their surroundings, and this study looks at how this ability has changed over time in a group of related bacteria.
Methodology
The study used phylogenetic analysis based on 12 protein-coding genes from sequenced genomes to examine the ancestry of competence genes and DNA uptake specificity.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the limited number of sequenced genomes and the reliance on specific genes for phylogenetic analysis.
Limitations
The phylogeny is limited to eight species with sequenced genomes, which may not represent the entire diversity of the Pasteurellaceae.
Participant Demographics
The study focuses on eight species within the Pasteurellaceae family, primarily associated with vertebrate mucosal surfaces.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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