Phase variable restriction-modification systems in Moraxella catarrhalis.
A repetitive DNA motif was used as a marker to identify novel genes in the mucosal pathogen Moraxella catarrhalis. There is a high prevalence of such repetitive motifs in virulence genes that display phase variable expression. Two repeat containing loci were identified using a digoxigenin-labelled 5'-(CAAC)6-3' oligonucleotide probe. The repeats are located in the methylase components of two distinct type III restriction-modification (R-M) systems. We suggest that the phase variable nature of these R-M systems indicates that they have an important role in the biology of M. catarrhalis.
Seib
Kate L
KL
Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia.
Peak
Ian R A
IR
Jennings
Michael P
MP
D001483:Base Sequence; D015254:DNA Modification Methylases; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D001936:Moraxella catarrhalis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D016870:Neisseriaceae Infections / Q000382:microbiology*
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D015254:DNA Modification Methylases; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes