Phase variable restriction-modification systems in Moraxella catarrhalis
Author(s)
Seib, Kate L.
Peak, Ian R. A.
Jennings, Michael P.
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2002
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
A repetitive DNA motif was used as a marker to identify novel genes in the mucosal pathogen Moraxella catarrhalis. There is a high prevalence of such repetitive motifs in virulence genes that display phase variable expression. Two repeat containing loci were identified using a digoxigenin-labelled 5P-(CAAC)6-3'P oligonucleotide probe. The repeats are located in the methylase components of two distinct type III restriction-modification (R-M) systems. We suggest that the phase variable nature of these R-M systems indicates that they have an important role in the biology of M. catarrhalis.A repetitive DNA motif was used as a marker to identify novel genes in the mucosal pathogen Moraxella catarrhalis. There is a high prevalence of such repetitive motifs in virulence genes that display phase variable expression. Two repeat containing loci were identified using a digoxigenin-labelled 5P-(CAAC)6-3'P oligonucleotide probe. The repeats are located in the methylase components of two distinct type III restriction-modification (R-M) systems. We suggest that the phase variable nature of these R-M systems indicates that they have an important role in the biology of M. catarrhalis.
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Journal Title
FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology
Volume
32
Issue
2
Subject
Cardiorespiratory Medicine and Haematology
Immunology
Medical Microbiology