Analysis of the Streptococcus dysgalactiae transcriptome upon competence induction

Streptococcus dysgalactiae is increasingly recognized for its role in infections affecting both humans and animals. Understanding the genetic basis of its pathogenesis and adaptability is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat infections caused by this bacterium. Functional studies of genes in S. dysgalactiae and other pyogenic group streptococci are often hampered by limited genetic tractability. The phenomenon of natural transformation, a process in which bacteria take up exogenous DNA and incorporate it into their genome by homologous recombination, is well documented and utilized for gene modifications in other Streptococcus species. However, there is limited evidence for natural transformation in S. dysgalactiae and other pyogenic group streptococci. To address this gap, we employed RNA-seq to examine the expression of competence genes known to be required for natural transformation upon addition of the competence inducing peptide XIP in both subspecies of S. dysgalactiae: subsp. equisimilis and subsp. dysgalactiae.