Comparison of the genome of the oral pathogen Treponema denticola with other spirochete genomes

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004 Apr 13;101(15):5646-51. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0307639101. Epub 2004 Apr 2.

Abstract

We present the complete 2,843,201-bp genome sequence of Treponema denticola (ATCC 35405) an oral spirochete associated with periodontal disease. Analysis of the T. denticola genome reveals factors mediating coaggregation, cell signaling, stress protection, and other competitive and cooperative measures, consistent with its pathogenic nature and lifestyle within the mixed-species environment of subgingival dental plaque. Comparisons with previously sequenced spirochete genomes revealed specific factors contributing to differences and similarities in spirochete physiology as well as pathogenic potential. The T. denticola genome is considerably larger in size than the genome of the related syphilis-causing spirochete Treponema pallidum. The differences in gene content appear to be attributable to a combination of three phenomena: genome reduction, lineage-specific expansions, and horizontal gene transfer. Genes lost due to reductive evolution appear to be largely involved in metabolism and transport, whereas some of the genes that have arisen due to lineage-specific expansions are implicated in various pathogenic interactions, and genes acquired via horizontal gene transfer are largely phage-related or of unknown function.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Base Sequence
  • Borrelia burgdorferi / genetics
  • Borrelia burgdorferi / metabolism
  • Genes, Bacterial / genetics
  • Genome, Bacterial*
  • Leptospira interrogans / genetics
  • Leptospira interrogans / metabolism
  • Models, Genetic
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mouth / microbiology*
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Treponema / genetics*
  • Treponema / metabolism
  • Treponema / pathogenicity
  • Treponema pallidum / genetics
  • Treponema pallidum / metabolism

Substances

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Bacterial Proteins

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AE017226