Restriction fragment length polymorphisms and sequence variation within the spaP gene of Streptococcus mutans serotype c isolates

Infect Immun. 1991 May;59(5):1803-10. doi: 10.1128/iai.59.5.1803-1810.1991.

Abstract

A restriction fragment length polymorphism study was undertaken to determine the extent and location of heterogeneity within spaP encoding the Mr 185,000 cell surface protein P1 (antigen I/II) of Streptococcus mutans serotype c isolates. The gene was found to be highly conserved except for a central variable (V) region predicted to encode less than 150 amino acids. Sequence analysis identified two V-region variants. These differences were independent of the geographic source of the isolates. Southern analysis using synthetic oligonucleotide probes indicated that nonretention of P1 (I/II) by some isolates is not due to a deletion of the 3'-terminal DNA necessary to encode an intact carboxy terminus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Bacterial / genetics*
  • Antigens, Surface / genetics*
  • Base Sequence
  • Blotting, Southern
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis
  • Genes, Bacterial*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Molecular Weight
  • Oligonucleotide Probes
  • Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length*
  • Streptococcus mutans / genetics*

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Antigens, Surface
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Oligonucleotide Probes