Genomics of nontuberculous mycobacteria

Abstract

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) widely exist in the nature and one-third of them are opportunistic pathogens causing NTM diseases. Although more and more NTM strains have been sequenced, it still remains challenging to understand which of the genes are important and how gene′s functions are regulated. In recent years, the rapid evolution of molecular biotechnology poses new chances for better understanding of the genomic characteristics. The study of comparative genomics has particularly benefited from the continuous expansion of genomic data. Comparative sequence analysis has also been instrumental in the studies of genes′ functions and regulation. We are beginning to have a much deeper understanding of natural genetic diversity, virulence and drug resistance in NTM along with the development of molecular biotechnology. Here, we review the genomic characteristics of NTM strains across different species (Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare, Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium Foruitum, Mycobacterium chelonae and Mycobacterium smegmati) and also discuss how molecular typing approaches help us to separate and identify different NTM strains precisely in lab. Key words: Nontuberculous mycobacterium; Genomics; Gene