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Evidence of localized prophage-host recombination in the lytA gene, encoding the major pneumococcal autolysin.

ABSTRACT: According to a highly polymorphic region in the lytA gene, encoding the major autolysin of Streptococcus pneumoniae, two different families of alleles can be differentiated by PCR and restriction digestion. Here, we provide evidence that this polymorphic region arose from recombination events with homologous genes of pneumococcal temperate phages.

SUBMITTER: Morales M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2863564 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Evidence of localized prophage-host recombination in the lytA gene, encoding the major pneumococcal autolysin.

Morales María M García Pedro P de la Campa Adela G AG Liñares Josefina J Ardanuy Carmen C García Ernesto E

Journal of bacteriology 20100319 10

According to a highly polymorphic region in the lytA gene, encoding the major autolysin of Streptococcus pneumoniae, two different families of alleles can be differentiated by PCR and restriction digestion. Here, we provide evidence that this polymorphic region arose from recombination events with homologous genes of pneumococcal temperate phages. ...[more]

PMID: 20304992

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The autolysin-encoding gene (lytA) of Streptococcus pneumoniae displays restricted allelic variation despite localized recombination events with genes of pneumococcal bacteriophage encoding cell wall lytic enzymes.

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The crystal structure of the major pneumococcal autolysin LytA in complex with a large peptidoglycan fragment reveals the pivotal role of glycans for lytic activity.

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The autolysin LytA contributes to efficient bacteriophage progeny release in Streptococcus pneumoniae.

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Insights into the Evolutionary Relationships of LytA Autolysin and Ply Pneumolysin-Like Genes in Streptococcus pneumoniae and Related Streptococci.

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Interaction of phase variation, host and pressure/gas composition: pneumococcal gene expression of PsaA, SpxB, Ply and LytA in simulated middle ear environments.

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