Genomics: leprosy - a degenerative disease of the genome.
Analysis of the genome of the leprosy bacillus uncovers evidence of extensive deletion and inactivation of genes. Secluded in a specialised niche, it has discarded much of its genetic heritage, though retaining just enough to be a major human pathogen.
Young
D
D
Centre for Molecular Microbiology and Infection, Flowers Building, Imperial College, SW7 2AZ, London, UK. d.young@ic.ac.uk
Robertson
B
B
D016680:Genome, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000382:microbiology; D009154:Mutation; D009166:Mycobacterium leprae / Q000235:genetics*