Comprehensive pan-genome analysis of Mycobacterium marinum: insights into genomic diversity, evolution, and pathogenicity.

Comprehensive pan-genome analysis of Mycobacterium marinum: insights into genomic diversity, evolution, and pathogenicity.

Publication date: Nov 12, 2024

Mycobacteria is a diverse genus that includes both innocuous environmental species and serious pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium leprae, and Mycobacterium ulcerans, the causative agents of tuberculosis, leprosy, and Buruli ulcer, respectively. This study focuses on Mycobacterium marinum, a closely related species known for its larger genome and ability to infect ectothermic species and cooler human extremities. Utilizing whole-genome sequencing, we conducted a comprehensive pan-genome analysis of 100 M. marinum strains, exploring genetic diversity and its impact on pathogenesis and host specificity. Our findings highlight significant genomic diversity, with clear distinctions in core, dispensable, and unique genes among the isolates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a broad distribution of genetic lineages, challenging previous classifications into distinct clusters. Additionally, we examined the synteny and diversity of the virulence factor CpnT, noting a wide range of C-terminal domain variations across strains, which points to potential adaptations in pathogenic mechanisms. This study enhances our understanding of M. marinum’s genomic architecture and its evolutionary relationship with other mycobacterial pathogens, providing insights that could inform disease control strategies for M. tuberculosis and other mycobacteria.

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Concepts Keywords
Environmental Evolution
Genetic Evolution, Molecular
Larger Genetic Variation
Leprosy Genome, Bacterial
Mycobacteria Genomics
Humans
Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous
Mycobacterium marinum
Mycobacterium marinum
Pan genome
Phylogeny
Virulence
Virulence Factors
Virulence Factors
Virulence genes
Whole Genome Sequencing

Original Article

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