ISSN:
1365-2958
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
A wealth of new data have become available to the scientific community as a result of the sequencing of many pathogen genomes. A recent meeting devoted to functional genomics of pathogenic microorganisms confirmed the notion that bacterial genomes are not static, because large blocks of genes can be acquired or deleted. Less complex environments usually result in reduction in genome size, while genome expansion is usually associated with environmental change and complexity. During the meeting, pathogenicity and evolutionary aspects were illustrated for enteric pathogens, as well as the microevolution of the plague bacillus Yersinia pestis. New clues for evolution and pathogenicity were derived from comparative genomics of Listeria species. The genomic organization of Bartonellae, an emerging human pathogen, was also discussed in an evolutionary context. Population and functional genomics of Anthrax-causing bacteria highlighted current scientific interest in this potential biothreat.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2958.2005.04480.x
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