AUTHOR=Young Douglas B. , Comas Iñaki , de Carvalho Luiz P. S. 

TITLE=Phylogenetic analysis of vitamin B12-related metabolism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

VOLUME=2

YEAR=2015

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/molecular-biosciences/articles/10.3389/fmolb.2015.00006

DOI=10.3389/fmolb.2015.00006

ISSN=2296-889X

ABSTRACT=<p>Comparison of genome sequences from clinical isolates of <italic>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</italic> with phylogenetically-related pathogens <italic>Mycobacterium marinum</italic>, <italic>Mycobacterium kansasii</italic>, and <italic>Mycobacterium leprae</italic> reveals diversity amongst genes associated with vitamin B12-related metabolism. Diversity is generated by gene deletion events, differential acquisition of genes by horizontal transfer, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with predicted impact on protein function and transcriptional regulation. Differences in the B12 synthesis pathway, methionine biosynthesis, fatty acid catabolism, and DNA repair and replication are consistent with adaptations to different environmental niches and pathogenic lifestyles. While there is no evidence of further gene acquisition during expansion of the <italic>M. tuberculosis</italic> complex, the emergence of other forms of genetic diversity provides insights into continuing host-pathogen co-evolution and has the potential to identify novel targets for disease intervention.</p>