Sequence, distribution and chromosomal context of class I and class II pilin genes of Neisseria meningitidis identified in whole genome sequences

摘要: Neisseria meningitidis expresses type four pili (Tfp) which are important for colonisation and virulence. Tfp have been considered as one of the most variable structures on bacterial surface due to high frequency gene conversion, resulting in amino acid sequence variation major pilin subunit (PilE). Meningococci express either a class I or II pilE recent work has indicated that pilins do not undergo antigenic variation, genes encode conserved subunits. The purpose this was use whole genome sequences further investigate variability meningococcal isolate collections. We analysed over 600 publically available N. isolates determine genomic organization pilE. confirmed strains belonging limited number clonal complexes (ccs, namely cc1, cc5, cc8, cc11 cc174) harbour is terms chromosomal context. also identified pilS cassettes all with pilE, however, our analysis indicates these serve donor pilE/pilS recombination. Furthermore, reveals locus lacks DNA motifs enable (G4) enhance (Sma/Cla repeat) variation. Finally, through commensal species we found closely related from lactamica polysaccharea, suggesting horizontal transfer among species. Class can be defined by their context present persisted spread globally. absence G4 Sma/Cla adjacent consistent lack isolates, although may generate diversity. This study supports suggestion universal pathogenic Neisseria.