Study of Bacillus cereus Species and Sigma Factor Genes
Author Information
Author(s): Timothy R Schmidt, Scott Edgar J II, David W Dyer
Primary Institution: Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center
Hypothesis
How do we account for the underlying similarity of these phenotypically diverse microbes?
Conclusion
The expansion of the sigma factor gene family in the Bacillus cereus species-group is primarily due to the increase in extracytoplasmic function sigma factors, which play a significant role in the diversity of phenotypic characteristics.
Supporting Evidence
- Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the Bacillus cereus species-group should be classified as a single species.
- The sigma factor gene family in the Bacillus cereus group has expanded significantly compared to their ancestors.
- Divergence in sigma-controlled transcriptional regulons explains the phenotypic diversity among Bacillus cereus species.
Takeaway
This study looks at how different types of bacteria in the Bacillus cereus group are more similar than we thought, and how they have special genes that help them adapt to their environments.
Methodology
Phylogenetic analysis using 157 single-copy genes from 41 Bacillaceae genomes.
Limitations
The study relies on whole-genome sequences, which may not be available for all strains.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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