Evidence for a DNA inversion system in Bordetella pertussis

The expression of virulence-associated genes in Bordetella pertussis can be lost in three ways: phase variation, antigenic modulation, or serotype conversion. The mechanism(s) of these alterations in gene expression is unclear. B. pertussis chromosomal DNA was probed with cloned pin genes from Esche...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:FEMS microbiology letters 1990-05, Vol.69 (1), p.1-5
Main Authors: Foxall, P.A., Drasar, B.S., Duggleby, C.J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Blotting, Southern
Bordetella pertussis
Bordetella pertussis - genetics
Chromosome Inversion
DNA inversion system
DNA Probes
DNA, Bacterial - genetics
Genes, Bacterial
Temperature
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Summary:The expression of virulence-associated genes in Bordetella pertussis can be lost in three ways: phase variation, antigenic modulation, or serotype conversion. The mechanism(s) of these alterations in gene expression is unclear. B. pertussis chromosomal DNA was probed with cloned pin genes from Escherichia coli and cloned hin genes from Salmonella typhimurium. DNA duplex melting temperature experiments indicated significant homology between B. Pertussis chromosamal DNA and both DNA inversion genes. Southern blots using the hin gene probe showed homology with a 15 kb EcoRI fragment of B. pertussis chromosomal DNA. We postulate here that B. pertussis contains a DNA inversion system which may be responsible for serotype conversion or virulence phase change in this organism.
ISSN:0378-1097
1574-6968
DOI:10.1016/0378-1097(90)90403-D