Check out our lab’s latest research!A strain-specific gene influences the fitness of an extrai

Check out our lab’s latest research!A strain-specific gene influences the fitness of an extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli isolate within distinct host niches. Bacterial pathogens, even those belonging to the same species, can be incredibly diverse. For example, strains of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) can differ by up to 20-30% of their gene contents. This characteristic presents a significant challenge to the design of effective therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. Through a genetic screen carried out in a surrogate zebrafish host, Wiles et al. discovered that a rare, strain-specific gene harbored within an integrated bacteriophage supports pathogen fitness during colonization of distinct host tissues. Specifically, it was determined that the novel gene neaT is necessary for competitive growth within the bloodstream of both zebrafish and mice and was likely recently acquired by lateral gene transfer from an extraphyletic source. Defining how rare genes like neaT impact bacterial virulence will help us better understand pathogen evolution and niche adaptation. -- source link
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