%0 Journal Article
%T Comparative Genome Sequence Analysis Reveals the Extent of Diversity and Conservation for Glycan-Associated Proteins in Burkholderia spp.
%A Hui San Ong
%A Rahmah Mohamed
%A Mohd Firdaus-Raih
%J International Journal of Genomics
%D 2012
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2012/752867
%X Members of the Burkholderia family occupy diverse ecological niches. In pathogenic family members, glycan-associated proteins are often linked to functions that include virulence, protein conformation maintenance, surface recognition, cell adhesion, and immune system evasion. Comparative analysis of available Burkholderia genomes has revealed a core set of 178 glycan-associated proteins shared by all Burkholderia of which 68 are homologous to known essential genes. The genome sequence comparisons revealed insights into species-specific gene acquisitions through gene transfers, identified an S-layer protein, and proposed that significantly reactive surface proteins are associated to sugar moieties as a potential means to circumvent host defense mechanisms. The comparative analysis using a curated database of search queries enabled us to gain insights into the extent of conservation and diversity, as well as the possible virulence-associated roles of glycan-associated proteins in members of the Burkholderia spp. The curated list of glycan-associated proteins used can also be directed to screen other genomes for glycan-associated homologs. 1. Introduction Members of the genus Burkholderia, with over 30 known species, have a unique ability to occupy diverse ecological niches, ranging from soil to the human respiratory tract [1]. Several strains are known to enhance disease resistance in plants [2] and improve nitrogen fixation [3, 4]. B. pseudomallei, B. mallei and B. cenocepacia are known to be involved in lung infections and are well recognized as pathogens of humans and animals. B. pseudomallei, a soil dwelling member of the Burkholderia genus is the causative agent for melioidosis and is capable of existing as a latent infection for decades with the longest period reported being 62 years [5]. The current use of antimicrobial therapy to treat melioidosis patients often fails due to intrinsic resistance of these bacteria. Prior to the discovery of an RNA helicase inhibitor toxin [6], the pathogenicity and virulence factors associated to B. pseudomallei have been elusive and many reports were inconclusive. Despite this significant progress, much remains to be discovered regarding the virulence of B. pseudomallei and the Burkholderia pathogens in general, including potential roles played by glycan-associated proteins in pathogenesis. The interactions and association between proteins and carbohydrates play important roles in numerous cellular functions, including processes which are associated with the pathogenicity of many bacterial species. Proteins can
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijg/2012/752867/