How open is the Listeria pan-genome?
Eleven new genomes spanning serotypes show a stable but open pan-genome with nine hypervariable hotspots dominated by mobile elements.
Source
Reassessment of the Listeria monocytogenes pan-genome reveals dynamic integration hotspots and mobile genetic elements as major components of the accessory genome
What they did
Extended L. monocytogenes genome sets by 11 strains covering all serotypes and reassessed pan-genome structure.
What they found
The pan-genome is highly stable but not closed; accessory genes concentrate in hypervariable hotspots with mobile genetic elements as major accessory components.
The limits
What it doesn't show
Gene presence/absence aids diagnostics/phylogenetics but does not alone prove each virulence phenotype.
Key terms
- Pan-genome
- All genes found across strains of a species.
- Accessory genome
- Genes present in only some strains.
- Hypervariable hotspot
- Region with frequent gene content change.
- Mobile genetic element
- DNA that moves between genomes.
- Serotype
- Strain group defined by surface antigens.
Flashcards
Want these cards to stick?
Save the deck to NoteFren and study it with spaced repetition.
Quiz yourself
Pan-genome:
Common questions
Closed pan-genome?
No—stable but not closed.
Strains added?
11.
Hotspots?
Nine hypervariable hotspots.
Accessory drivers?
Mobile genetic elements.
More on Host–pathogen