Whole-genome sequence comparisons reveal the evolution of Vibrio cholerae O1.
The analysis of the whole-genome sequences of Vibrio cholerae strains from previous and current cholera pandemics has demonstrated that genomic changes and alterations in phage CTX (particularly in the gene encoding the B subunit of cholera toxin) were major features in the evolution of V. cholerae. Recent studies have revealed the genetic mechanisms in these bacteria by which new variants of V. cholerae are generated from type-specific strains; these mechanisms suggest that certain strains are selected by environmental or human factors over time. By understanding the mechanisms and driving forces of historical and current changes in the V. cholerae population, it would be possible to predict the direction of such changes and the evolution of new variants; this has implications for the battle against cholera.
Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 426-791, Korea; Institute of Pharmacological Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 426-791, Korea.
Eun Jin
EJ
Kim
Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 426-791, Korea; Institute of Pharmacological Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 426-791, Korea.
Chan Hee
CH
Lee
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud P.O., Trivandrum 695 014, Kerala, India.
G Balakrish
GB
Nair
Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 426-791, Korea; Institute of Pharmacological Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 426-791, Korea. Electronic address: dongwook@hanyang.ac.kr.
Dong Wook
DW
Kim
D002771:Cholera / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D002772:Cholera Toxin / Q000235:genetics; D019295:Computational Biology; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D014644:Genetic Variation; D016680:Genome, Bacterial; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D058873:Pandemics; D039002:Prophages / Q000235:genetics; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D041241:Vibrio cholerae O1 / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification
D002772:Cholera Toxin
Vibrio cholerae; cholera; cholera toxin; phage CTX