Evolution of the U.S. Biological Select Agent Rathayibacter toxicus
Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: Rathayibacter toxicus is a toxin-producing species found in Australia and is often fatal to grazing animals. The threat of introduction of the species into the United States led to its inclusion in the Federal Select Agent Program, which makes R. toxicus a highly regulated species. This work provides novel insights into the evolution of R. toxicus . R. toxicus is the only species in the genus to have acquired a CRISPR adaptive immune system to protect against bacteriophages. Results suggest that coexistence with the bacteriophage NCPPB3778 led to the massive shrinkage of the R. toxicus genome, species divergence, and the maintenance of low genetic diversity in extant bacterial groups. This work contributes to an understanding of the evolution and ecology of an agriculturally important species of bacteria.
Source: mBio
Authors: Edward W. Davis, Javier F. Tabima, Alexandra J. Weisberg, Lucas Dantas Lopes, Michele S. Wiseman, Michael S. Wiseman, Tal Pupko, Michael S. Belcher, Aaron J. Sechler, Matt A. Tancos, Brenda K. Schroeder, Timothy D. Murray, Douglas G. Luster, William L. Schneider, Elizabeth E. Rogers, Fernando D. Andreote, Niklaus J. Grünwald, Melodie L. Putnam, Jeff H. Chang
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,900
OpenAlex ID: W2888917920