ARS | Publication request: VSH-1, A PROPHAGE-LIKE, GENE TRANSFER AGENT OF BRACHYSPIRA HYODYSENTERIAE AND (PROBABLY) OF OTHER BRACHYSPIRA SPECIES

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: January 29, 2005
Publication Date: June 5, 2005
Citation: Stanton, T.B., Matson, E.G., Humphrey, S.B., Zuerner, R.L., Sharma, V.K. 2005. VSH-1, a prophage-like, gene transfer agent of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and (probably) of other Brachyspira species [abstract]. Third International Conference on Colonic Spirochaetal Infections in Animals and Humans. p. 15-16.

Technical Abstract: Brachyspira hyodysenteriae cells contain genes for VSH-1, a prophage-like, gene transfer agent. VSH-1 virions package random 7.5 kb fragments of B. hyo. genomic DNA, are non-infectious, and transduce genes between B. hyo. cells. Genes for VSH-1 capsid, tail, and lysis proteins form contiguous modules spanning 16.3 kb of DNA and are co-transcribed. Details of VSH-1 induction are beginning to be revealed through Quantitative RT-PCR experiments. VSH-1-like agents are widely distributed among Brachyspira species and are likely to mediate horizontal gene transfer within these species. Our research, hopefully, will provide the basis for and stimulate further investigations of these novel genetic elements.