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M P McLeod

Publications and source records attributed to M P McLeod.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

The human transcript database: a catalogue of full length cDNA inserts.

SUMMARY: Full length cDNA sequences are an important resource for the research community but are currently intermingled with other sequences. We have identified the human full length insert cDNA sequences in GenBank and placed them in a single location, the Human Transcript Database. AVAILIBILITY: The Human Transcript Database is available at http://www.hgsc.bcm.tms.edu/HTDB/. CONTACT: John Bouck: jbouck@bcm.tmc.edu

DNA Transposable Elements↗

Complete genome sequence of Treponema pallidum, the syphilis spirochete.

The complete genome sequence of Treponema pallidum was determined and shown to be 1,138,006 base pairs containing 1041 predicted coding sequences (open reading frames). Systems for DNA replication, transcription, translation, and repair are intact, but catabolic and biosynthetic activities are minimized. The number of identifiable transporters is small, and no phosphoenolpyruvate:phosphotransferase carbohydrate transporters were found. Potential virulence factors include a family of 12 potential membrane proteins and several putative hemolysins. Comparison of the T. pallidum genome sequence with that of another pathogenic spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, identified unique and common genes and substantiates the considerable diversity observed among pathogenic spirochetes.

Bacterial Proteins↗

The genome of Treponema pallidum: new light on the agent of syphilis.

Treponema pallidum subsp, pallidum, the causative agent of the sexually transmitted disease syphilis, is a fastidious, microaerophilic obligate parasite of humans. This bacterium is one of the few prominent infectious agents that has not been cultured continuously in vitro and consequently relatively little is known about its virulence mechanisms at the molecular level. T. pallidum therefore represented an attractive candidate for genomic sequencing. The complete genome sequence of T. pallidum has now been completed and comprises 1,138,006 base pairs containing 1041 predicted protein coding sequences. An important goal of this project is to identify possible virulence factors. Analysis of the genome indicates a number of potential virulence factors including a family of 12 proteins related to the Msp protein of Treponema denticola, a number of putative hemolysins, as well as several other classes of proteins of interest. The results of this analysis are reviewed in this article and indicate the value of whole genome sequences for rapidly advancing knowledge of infectious agents.

Genes, Bacterial↗