title: Restriction fragment length polymorphisms and sequence variation within the spaP gene of Streptococcus mutans serotype c isolates.
abstract: A restriction fragment length polymorphism study was undertaken to determine the extent and location of heterogeneity within spaP encoding the Mr 185,000 cell surface protein P1 (antigen I/II) of Streptococcus mutans serotype c isolates. The gene was found to be highly conserved except for a central variable (V) region predicted to encode less than 150 amino acids. Sequence analysis identified two V-region variants. These differences were independent of the geographic source of the isolates. Southern analysis using synthetic oligonucleotide probes indicated that nonretention of P1 (I/II) by some isolates is not due to a deletion of the 3'-terminal DNA necessary to encode an intact carboxy terminus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Brady
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Crowley
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lehner
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Bleiweis
mesh_terms: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics*; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000235:genetics*; D001483:Base Sequence; D015139:Blotting, Southern; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D008970:Molecular Weight; D015345:Oligonucleotide Probes; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D015345:Oligonucleotide Probes