Streptococcus pneumoniae pan-genome influence over gene essentiality and in vivo genetic requirements.

In this project, we utilized PacBio SMRT sequencing to obtain complete genomes and methylomes of a strain collection of S. pneumoniae, representing the pathogen's pan-genome. We have performed deep phenotypic and functional genomic characterization of these strains and found many differences. For instance, a different genetic content strongly influences which genes are essential for growth, and which are important during host infection. Currently, we are exploring the importance of methyltransferase-associated phase variation on the different phenotypes observed.