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Gene conversion: a mechanism for generation of heterogeneity in the tprK gene of Treponema pallidum during infection
Author(s) -
CenturionLara Arturo,
LaFond Rebecca E.,
Hevner Karin,
Godornes Charmie,
Molini Barbara J.,
Van Voorhis Wesley C.,
Lukehart Sheila A.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
molecular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 247
eISSN - 1365-2958
pISSN - 0950-382X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2004.04086.x
Subject(s) - treponema , biology , gene , antigenic variation , virology , genetics , open reading frame , peptide sequence , syphilis , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv)
Summary The tprK gene sequence of Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum ( T. pallidum ) is heterogeneous within and among isolates. Heterogeneity in the tprK open reading frame is localized in seven discrete variable (V) regions, and variability results from apparent base changes, insertions or deletions. The TprK V regions are the focus of anti‐TprK antibodies arising during infection. To test our hypothesis that V region sequences change during infection and passage, we developed a clonal isolate from the Chicago strain of T. pallidum and confirmed V region diversification during passage of this isolate. We describe the sequence anatomy of the seven V regions of tprK and the identification of putative donor sites for new V region sequences, and we propose a model for generation of new V regions by segmental gene conversion. These findings suggest that antigenic variation of TprK occurs in T. pallidum and may be important in immune evasion and persistence.