ARS | Publication request: Characteristics and Induction of VSH-1, Gene Transfer Agent of B. hyodysenteriae

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 23, 2009
Publication Date: June 5, 2009
Citation: Stanton, T.B., Humphrey, S.B., Zuerner, R.L. 2009. Characteristics and Induction of VSH-1, Gene Transfer Agent of B. hyodysenteriae [abstract]. In: Proceedings of 5th International Conference on Colonic Spirochaetal Infections in Animals and Humans, June 8-10, 2009, Leon, Spain. p.25-26.

Technical Abstract: Genome sequencing projects have revealed a remarkable diversity and distribution of prophage gene clusters inserted into bacterial genomes (1). These clusters encode both functional and non-functional bacterial viruses. The latter category refers to defective or “cryptic” prophages which are incapable of producing self-replicating virions. One type of cryptic prophage is the prophage-like gene transfer agent, or GTA (2,3). GTAs represent a novel type of bacterial gene transfer and have been found in diverse bacterial species (1-4). Our lab investigates VSH-1, the GTA of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae. Over the last few years, a primary goal of our research has been to identify factors controlling VSH-1 production and, therefore, horizontal gene transfer by B. hyodysenteriae. These factors include both intracellular regulatory elements (B. hyodysenteriae and VSH-1 gene products) and extracellular, environmental inducers.