April 10, 2001 | vol. 98 | no. 8 | Joseph J. Ferretti*, William M. McShan*, Dragana Ajdic*, Dragutin J. Savic*, Gorana Savic*, Kevin Lyon*, Charles Primeaux*, Steven Sezate*, Alexander N. Suvorov**, Steve Kenton§, Hong Shing Lai§, Shao Ping Lin§, Yudong Qian§, Hong Gui Jia§, Fares Z. Najar§, Qun Ren§, Hua Zhu§, Lin Song§, Jim White§, Xiling Yuan§, Sandra W. Clifton§†, Bruce A. Roe§, and Robert McLaughlin*
The complete genome sequence of an M1 strain of *Streptococcus pyogenes* (GAS) has been determined, revealing a 1,852,442-bp genome with 1,752 predicted protein-encoding genes. Approximately one-third of these genes lack identified functions, while the remainder are categorized into known microbial functions. The genome contains over 40 putative virulence-associated genes and additional genes encoding proteins likely involved in microbial "molecular mimicry" and rheumatic fever or acute glomerulonephritis. Four bacteriophage genomes are present, each containing genes for superantigen-like proteins, emphasizing the role of bacteriophages in horizontal gene transfer and potential strain evolution. The genome analysis provides insights into the genetic basis of GAS pathogenicity and offers opportunities for vaccine development and understanding the evolution of GAS strains.The complete genome sequence of an M1 strain of *Streptococcus pyogenes* (GAS) has been determined, revealing a 1,852,442-bp genome with 1,752 predicted protein-encoding genes. Approximately one-third of these genes lack identified functions, while the remainder are categorized into known microbial functions. The genome contains over 40 putative virulence-associated genes and additional genes encoding proteins likely involved in microbial "molecular mimicry" and rheumatic fever or acute glomerulonephritis. Four bacteriophage genomes are present, each containing genes for superantigen-like proteins, emphasizing the role of bacteriophages in horizontal gene transfer and potential strain evolution. The genome analysis provides insights into the genetic basis of GAS pathogenicity and offers opportunities for vaccine development and understanding the evolution of GAS strains.