Honors College Thesis

 

Chromosomal Recombination Targets in Chlamydial Lateral Gene Transfer In Vitro Public Deposited

Downloadable Content

Download PDF
https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/honors_college_theses/g445ck63j

Descriptions

Attribute NameValues
Creator
Abstract
  • Background: Lateral gene transfer (LGT) among C. trachomatis strains is common, both in isolates generated in the laboratory and those examined directly from patients. This is a challenging concept because there are very few examples of recent acquisition of foreign DNA by Chlamydia spp. There is no understanding of the mechanism of genetic transfer between strains in this important group of pathogens. Methods: We analyzed recombination in this system using crosses of tetracycline - resistant Chlamydia trachomatis (C.t.) and chloramphenicol-resistant C. muridarum (C.m.). Bioinformatic analysis of recombination margins were conducted using Geneious [1] and BLAST [2] to determine identity between parents at margins of recombination in 100 and 1000 base pair windows. G+C content was also examined for contribution to recombination. Crossover points and data of interest were compared to existing sequences for C.t. X C.t. crosses previously generated in the laboratory. Results: Over 40 total independent recombinants were sequenced and analyzed. These crosses involved a single C.t. strain crossed with 8 different transposed C.m. strains. Analysis of a total of over 80 different recombination sites identified identical positions used in a variety of crosses. In some cases, these repeated targets appear to represent recombination hotspots, including one sequence present within the chlamydial plasticity zone. Conclusions: The collected data identify similarities and differences in recombination events between chlamydial species (C.t. X C.m.) or within species (C.t. X C.t.). Focused recombination sites were more evident in the cross-species events, and apparent hot spots identified. In both sets of crosses, homologous recombination was the most common mechanism of exchange, but there were occasional examples of recombination-mediated deletions or insertions. These studies identify differences in the results of intraspecies vs. interspecies LGT events in the chlamydial system and support the observation that intraspecies LGT in the chlamydiae is very common. Key Words: Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydia muridarum, interspecies recombination, intraspecies recombination
License
Resource Type
Date Issued
Degree Level
Degree Name
Degree Field
Degree Grantor
Commencement Year
Advisor
Committee Member
Non-Academic Affiliation
Rights Statement
Publisher
Peer Reviewed
Language

Relationships

Parents:

This work has no parents.

In Collection:

Items