Complete genome sequence of an M1 strain of Streptococcus pyogenes

Abstract

The 1,852,442-bp sequence of an M1 strain of Streptococcus pyogenes, a Gram-positive pathogen, has been determined and contains 1,752 predicted protein-encoding genes. Approximately onethird of these genes have no identifiable function, with the remainder falling into previously characterized categories of known microbial function. Consistent with the observation that S. pyogenes is responsible for a wider variety of human disease than any other bacterial species, more than 40 putative virulenceassociated genes have been identified. Additional genes have been identified that encode proteins likely associated with microbial ''molecular mimicry'' of host characteristics and involved in rheumatic fever or acute glomerulonephritis. The complete or partial sequence of four different bacteriophage genomes is also present, with each containing genes for one or more previously undiscovered superantigen-like proteins. These prophage-associated genes encode at least six potential virulence factors, emphasizing the importance of bacteriophages in horizontal gene transfer and a possible mechanism for generating new strains with increased pathogenic potential.

RNase Y-mediated regulation of the streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B

“…Originally, two putative ORFs were annotated: SPy_2040 (upstream of speB ) and SPy_2041 (upstream of ropB ) [25] (Fig. S1B).…”

“…A 940 nt-long intergenic region separates these two genes and contains numerous features [23]. It consists of two predicted open reading frames (ORFs) of unknown function [25] and also encodes the SpeB Inducing Peptide (SIP) involved in RopB-mediated regulation of speB expression [26]. It has recently been shown that a partial deletion of the speB 5′ UTR results in a global accumulation of mRNAs at the stationary phase of growth [27].…”

Complete sequence and comparative genome analysis of the dairy bacterium Streptococcus thermophilus

“…The dairy streptococcus must have followed a divergent evolutionary path from that of its pathogenic congeners, as it has adapted to a rather narrow, well-defined and constant ecological niche, milk. To obtain insight into this path and to assess the potential for virulence of this bacterium, we sequenced the genomes of two yogurt strains of S. thermophilus, and compared them to those of previously sequenced pathogenic streptococci [4][5][6][7][8][9] .…”

Toward a Genome-Wide Systems Biology Analysis of Host-Pathogen Interactions in Group A Streptococcus

“…28,46 This study was greatly facilitated by the availability of the genome sequence of one serotype M1 GAS organism (strain SF370). 22 Inasmuch as strain SF370 is genetically distinct from the great majority of strains responsible for contemporary infections caused by M1 strains, and is less virulent, we hypothesized that acquisition of novel genetic elements had created an unusually successful clone of serotype M1. 47,48 To test this hypothesis, we sequenced the genome of a strain that is genetically representative of organisms responsible for contemporary episodes of M1 infections.…”

“…[22][23][24][25][26][27][28] The availability of genome sequences of M protein serotypes causing distinct diseases has yielded a tremendous amount of new information important for a systems biology approach to pathogenesis research.…”