Abstract
Several members of the genus Legionella cause Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially debilitating form of pneumonia. Studies frequently focus on the abundant number of virulence factors present in this genus. However, what is often overlooked is the role of secondary metabolites from Legionella. Following whole genome sequencing, we assembled and annotated the Legionella parisiensis DSM 19216 genome. Together with 14 other members of the Legionella, we performed comparative genomics and analysed the secondary metabolite potential of each strain. We found that Legionella contains a huge variety of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that are potentially making a significant number of novel natural products with undefined function. Surprisingly, only a single Sfp-like phosphopantetheinyl transferase is found in all Legionella strains analyzed that might be responsible for the activation of all carrier proteins in primary (fatty acid biosynthesis) and secondary metabolism (polyketide and non-ribosomal peptide synthesis). Using conserved active site motifs, we predict some novel compounds that are probably involved in cell-cell communication, differing to known communication systems. We identify several gene clusters, which may represent novel signaling mechanisms and demonstrate the natural product potential of Legionella.
Highlights
The genus of Legionella is relatively diverse with 58 member species, 29 of which are known to cause disease in humans (Cunha, Burillo & Bouza, 2016)
Secondary metabolism in Legionella is under-pinned by a broad spectrum phosphopantetheinyl transferases (PPTases) Following the sequencing of the L. parisiensis genome, we noted the presence of 32 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), as predicted by antiSMASH (Table S3)
We further investigated a selection of other Legionella strains to obtain a snapshot of the secondary metabolite potential of the genus
Summary
The genus of Legionella is relatively diverse with 58 member species, 29 of which are known to cause disease in humans (Cunha, Burillo & Bouza, 2016). This species is responsible for a large proportion of Legionnaires’ cases, can often require hospitalization and is dangerous for immuno-compromised patients (Schlossberg & Bonoan, 1998). All Legionella spp. have a common association with water sources, surviving within amoebae, protozoa or slime moulds (Fields, Benson & Besser, 2002). Their association within microbial biofilm communities is beneficial for their ability to survive and cause disease (Chaabna et al, 2013; Khweek et al, 2013). Following phagocytosis by eukaryotic cells, the bacteria are able to survive intracellularly, which is essential for disease progression
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
