Abstract
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in structural genes can have a dramatic effect on the biology of whole organisms, from bacteria and viruses to mammals. Here, we underscore the importance of SNPs in bacterial genes that contribute to the ability of pathogens to cause disease. SNPs that confer an adaptive advantage for bacterial pathogens have been discovered in the genes encoding the FimH and Dr adhesins of Escherichia coli and, most recently, Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium FimH.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Adhesins, Bacterial / genetics*
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Adhesins, Bacterial / metabolism
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Adhesins, Escherichia coli / genetics
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Adhesins, Escherichia coli / metabolism
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Bacterial Adhesion
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Cell Line
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Escherichia coli / genetics
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Escherichia coli / metabolism
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Escherichia coli / pathogenicity*
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Fimbriae Proteins / genetics
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Fimbriae Proteins / metabolism
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Humans
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Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
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Salmonella typhimurium / genetics
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Salmonella typhimurium / metabolism
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Salmonella typhimurium / pathogenicity*
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Virulence
Substances
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Adhesins, Bacterial
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Adhesins, Escherichia coli
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FimI protein, E coli
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Fimbriae Proteins