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Sumo15A: a lambda phasmid that permits easy selection for and against cloned inserts.

We report the construction of a phasmid vector, Sumo15A, designed for recombination-based screening of recombinant DNA libraries [Seed, Nucleic Acids Res. 11 (1983) 2427-2445]. This vector permits rapid selection in Escherichia coli for homology-mediated integration and excision between homologous DNA inserts cloned in a supF-carrying plasmid and in Sumo15A. The region available for recombination spans the homologous sequence shared by the plasmid and the phasmid. SupF is the selection tool that we used. Efficient selection for supF expression by Sumo15A requires recombination mediated by the lambda phage red gene, which promotes homologous recombination between phage and plasmid DNAs. Counterselection against supF expression by Sumo15A occurs because the presence of a pSC101-derived plasmid replicon in this phasmid permits the growth of Sumo15A as a plasmid in a specialized host, E. coli strain DK37. In strain DK37, Sumo15A cannot replicate as a phage, and the presence of a plasmid-carrying supF is lethal to cells plated on galactose plates. This scheme was developed to select for sequences that are transcribed from chromosomes of interest.

Bacteriophage lambda↗

Gene expression in Deinococcus radiodurans.

We previously reported that the Escherichia coli drug-resistance determinants aphA (kanamycin-resistance) and cat (chloramphenicol-resistance) could be introduced to Deinococcus radiodurans by transformation methods that produce duplication insertion. However, both determinants appeared to require dramatic chromosomal amplification for expression of resistance. Additional studies described here, confirming this requirement for extensive amplification, led us to the use of promoter-probe plasmids in which the E. coli promoter has been deleted, leaving only coding sequences for the marker gene. We find that the insertion of D. radiodurans sequences immediately upstream from the promoterless drug-resistance determinant produces drug-resistant transformants without significant chromosomal amplification. Furthermore, a series of stable E. coli-D. radiodurans shuttle plasmids was devised by inserting fragments of D. radiodurans plasmid pUE10 in an E. coli plasmid directly upstream from a promoterless cat gene. These constructions replicated in D. radiodurans by virtue of the pUE10 replicon and expressed the cat determinant because of D. radiodurans promoter sequences in the pUE10 fragment. Of three such constructions, none expressed the cat gene in E. coli. Similar results were obtained using a promoterless tet gene. Translational fusions were made between D. radiodurans genes and E. coli 5'-truncated lacZ. Three fusions that produced high levels of beta Gal in D. radiodurans were introduced into E. coli, but beta Gal was produced in only one. The results demonstrate that the E. coli genes cat, tet and lacZ can be efficiently expressed in D. radiodurans if a D. radiodurans promoter is provided, and that D. radiodurans promoters often do not function as promoters in E. coli.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Plasmids for recombination-based screening.

To facilitate recombination-based screening, we constructed the ColE1-based plasmid, pi G4, that confers chloramphenicol resistance, contains a polylinker with multiple unique restriction enzyme recognition sequences, and contains the genetic marker, supF. To facilitate recombination-based screening followed by rapid DNA sequencing, we inserted the selectable marker, supF, into each of 20 high-copy-number (hcn) pUC-derived NoC plasmids that were designed for multiplex DNA sequencing. To facilitate recombination-based screening of common cDNA libraries that often contain ColE1 sequences, we constructed a supF-carrying plasmid whose replication was driven from an R6K replicon that does not share sequence homology with ColE1. Furthermore, we incorporated a useful polylinker and increased the copy number of this plasmid to create the 4.4-kb hcn plasmid, pMAD1. Thus, these plasmids allow: (1) background-free transformation of cells by a supF plasmid carrying an antibiotic-resistance marker; (2) simultaneous performance of the recombination-based assay and DNA sequencing; and (3) screening bacteriophage cDNA libraries that contain ColE1 sequences by recombination with a supF plasmid that is not homologous to ColE1 derivatives.

Bacteriophage lambda↗

Characterization and properties of a novel plasmid vector for Bacillus thuringiensis displaying compatibility with host plasmids.

A novel plasmid vector, composed of a 1.7-kb Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) replicon, a multiple cloning site, and an erythromycin-resistance marker gene from Bacillus subtilis, was constructed for use in B.t. Unlike other vectors which have been reported to be acceptable for B.t., this new B.t. vector was stably maintained in the absence of Er and did not displace host plasmids, some of which carry crystal protein-encoding genes (cry genes). The compatibility of this B.t. vector with native plasmids is highly desirable when introducing new cry genes into a wild-type B.t. strain. When a cryIIIA gene of B.t. tenebrionis was cloned in this vector and introduced into B.t. kurstaki (kur) HD119, cryIIIA was highly expressed without affecting the level of expression of native cry genes. The stability of this vector and its compatibility with native B.t. plasmids were achieved by subcloning only nucleotide sequences required for the vector to replicate in B.t. The origin of replication was first cloned on a 9.6-kb Bg/II fragment from a 75-kb plasmid of B.t. kur HD73 and then localized to a 2.4-kb region within the 9.6-kb fragment. Sequencing of the 2.4-kb region revealed the presence of an open reading frame (ORF), encoding a putative 312-amino acid (aa) protein. The deduced aa sequence of the ORF showed no homology to any published aa sequences. Deletion analysis indicated that the B.t. vector required at least the ORF and up to 300 bp surrounding the ORF, in order to replicate.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation of a restriction-less mutant and development of a shuttle vector for the genetic analysis of Campylobacter hyointestinalis.

A cosmid shuttle cloning vector, pCHI15, was constructed which could be mobilized from Escherichia coli K-12 to a putative restriction-less mutant of Campylobacter hyointestinalis, C. fetus subsp. fetus, and C. fetus subsp. venerealis at a frequency of 10(-4) transconjugants per donor. A previously described C. coli shuttle vector, pILL550, could not be mobilized into the C. hyointestinalis restriction-less mutant, implying that the C. coli replicon was not functional in a C. hyointestinalis host. The type strains of C. jejuni, C. coli, C. fetus subsp. fetus, and C. hyointestinalis were analysed for their ability to be transformed by plasmid DNA which had been modified by other Campylobacter species. Each Campylobacter species was found to be most efficiently transformed by plasmid DNA that had been previously passaged in the same species. pCHI15 could be mobilized from C. coli into C. fetus subsp. fetus and the putative restriction-less mutant of C. hyointestinalis at a frequency of 3.0 x 10(-4) and 2.5 x 10(-3) transconjugants per donor, respectively.

Campylobacter↗

Deletions in the tetracycline resistance determinant reduce the thermosensitivity of a trfA(Ts) derivative of plasmid RP1 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

A derivative of the broad-host-range plasmid RP1, pME301, was temperature-sensitive (Ts) at 43 degrees C for maintenance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. mendocina, Klebsiella aerogenes and Escherichia coli. In E. coli, the Ts defect of pME301 could be complemented in trans by the cloned trfA gene, which is known to be essential for RP1 replication in E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Because pME301 expressed a Ts phenotype in P. mendocina and K. aerogenes, we assume that the trfA function is also vital in these organisms. When plasmid-encoded carbenicillin resistance (on transposon Tn801) was selected at non-permissive temperatures in P. aeruginosa strain PAO carrying pME301, we obtained either Tn801 insertions into the chromosome or pME301 derivatives having a deletion (or point mutation) in their tet genes, which determine resistance to tetracycline and are not transposable. From cloning experiments, we infer that the tet gene product(s) destabilize the pME301 replicon in P. aeruginosa at 40-43 degrees C.

Chromosome Deletion↗

A new method for the physical and genetic mapping of large plasmids: application to the localisation of the virulence determinants on the 90 kb plasmid of Salmonella typhimurium.

A new method based on transposon-promoted deletions was used to generate a set of deletions in the 90 kb virulence plasmid of Salmonella typhimurium. The analysis of 16 deletion mutants allowed: (1) construction of the restriction map of the plasmid for HindIII, BamHI and BglII; (2) localisation of the plasmid region involved in virulence; (3) identification of two functional replicons on the plasmid.

DNA Mutational Analysis↗

Construction of a broad host range shuttle vector for gene cloning and expression in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and other Pasteurellaceae.

We have constructed a pair of broad host range expression vectors, pJFF224-NX and pJFF224-XN, based on plasmid RSF1010, which enable cloning and efficient expression of genes in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Pasteurella haemolytica and in Escherichia coli. The vectors consist of the minimal autonomous replicon of the broad host range plasmid RSF1010 and a type II chloramphenicol acetyl transferase gene for chloramphenicol resistance selection. In addition, they contain a gene expression cassette based on the E. coli bacteriophage T4 gene 32 promoter region and a transcription stop signal, which are separated by a segment of multiple cloning sites in both orientations. Electroporation and subsequent selection for chloramphenicol resistance was used for the introduction of the vectors in A. pleuropneumoniae and P. haemolytica. A promoterless xy/E gene from the Pseudomonas putida TOL plasmid was cloned onto pJFF224-NX. This plasmid enabled efficient expression of active catechol2,3oxygenase in A. pleuropneumoniae and P. haemolytica. It was stably maintained in A. pleuropneumoniae without antibiotic selection, showing less than 0.1% loss after 100 generations, while native RSF1010 and other RSF1010-based vectors were unstable in this host.

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae↗

Extrachromosomal elements of spirochetes.

The spirochetes include some important pathogenic bacteria, Treponema, Borrelia and Leptospira. The pathogeneses of these spirochetes are very diverse. In an attempt to learn more about the virulence factors among the spirochetes, their genetic organization and capacity have been studied. Structural analysis of the genome in Borrelia has shown that the genome is composed of one linear maxi-chromosome with additional linear minichromosomes as well as several supercoiled circular plasmids. Moreover, the molecular analysis of the terminal ends of one of the linear minichromosomes has revealed that this unique replicon has sequence similarities with poxviruses and particularly the viral agent of African swine fever. The presence of nucleic-acid-containing vesicles and its possible role in mediating DNA transfer between borreliae is an additional, very interesting feature of these organisms. Treponema does not contain any linear DNA, chromosomal or extrachromosomal, however molecular characterization of a 2.6-kb plasmid of Treponema denticola has been performed with the aim of establishing cloning vehicles to study the virulence properties of the genus Treponema.

Borrelia↗

On the nature of replication origins in higher eukaryotes.

Establishing whether DNA replication in higher eukaryotic cells is regulated by genetic replicators has been one of the more challenging problems in cell biology. Several important replicon-mapping techniques have been developed in the past decade that have opened up new windows on replication origins. In the past few years, the application of these strategies has identified a large number of origins in a variety of different loci and organisms. Comparison of sequence motifs and chromosomal milieu, as well as genetic manipulation, should begin to uncover the secrets of these illusive regulatory elements.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A cell-based beta-lactamase reporter gene assay for the identification of inhibitors of hepatitis C virus replication.

This report describes the development, optimization, and implementation of a cell-based assay for high-throughput screening (HTS) to identify inhibitors to hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. The assay is based on a HCV subgenomic RNA replicon that expresses beta-lactamase as a reporter for viral replication in enhanced Huh-7 cells. The drug targets in this assay are viral and cellular enzymes required for HCV replication, which are monitored by fluorescence resonance energy transfer using cell-permeable CCF4-AM as a beta-lactamase substrate. Digital image processing was used to visualize cells that harbor viral RNA and to optimize key assay development parameters such as transfection and culturing conditions to obtain a cell line which produced a robust assay window. Formatting the assay for compound screening was problematic due to small signal-to-background ratio and reduced potency to known HCV inhibitors. These technical difficulties were solved by using clavulanic acid, an irreversible inhibitor of beta-lactamase, to eliminate residual beta-lactamase activity after HCV replication was terminated, thus resulting in an improved assay window. HTS was carried out in 384-well microplate format, and the signal-to-background ratio and Z factor for the assay plates during the screen were approximately 13-fold and 0.5, respectively.

Antiviral Agents↗

Serine palmitoyltransferase inhibitor suppresses HCV replication in a mouse model.

Serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) is a first-step enzyme in the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway. Myriocin is an inhibitor of SPT and suppresses replication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicon. However, it is still unknown whether this SPT inhibitor suppresses HCV replication in vivo. We investigated the anti-HCV effect of myriocin against intact HCV using chimeric mice with humanized liver infected with HCV genotype 1a or 1b. We administered myriocin into HCV infected chimeric mice and succeeded in reducing the HCV RNA levels in serum and liver to 1/10-1/100 of the levels prior to the 8 day treatment. Furthermore, combined treatment with pegylated interferon reduced the HCV RNA levels to less than 1/1000 of the control levels. We strongly suggest that suppression of SPT reduces HCV replication, and therefore that the SPT inhibitor is potentially a novel drug in the treatment of HCV infection.

Animals↗

Synthesis of 9-(2-beta-C-methyl-beta-d-ribofuranosyl)-6-substituted purine derivatives as inhibitors of HCV RNA replication.

A series of 9-(2'-beta-C-methyl-beta-d-ribofuranosyl)-6-substituted purine derivatives were synthesized as potential inhibitors of HCV RNA replication. Their inhibitory activities in a cell based HCV replicon assay were reported. A prodrug approach was used to further improve the potency of these compounds by increasing the intracellular levels of 5'-monophosphate metabolites. These nucleotide prodrugs showed much improved inhibitory activities of HCV RNA replication.

Antiviral Agents↗

Synthesis and antiviral activity of 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methyl purine nucleosides as inhibitors of hepatitis C virus RNA replication.

A series of purine nucleosides containing the 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methylribofuranosyl moiety were synthesized and evaluated as potential inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus in vitro. Of the nucleosides that were synthesized, only those possessing a 2-amino group on the purine base reduced the levels of HCV RNA in a subgenomic replicon assay.

Antiviral Agents↗

Antiviral 2,5-disubstituted imidazo[4,5-c]pyridines: from anti-pestivirus to anti-hepatitis C virus activity.

A novel class of inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus [substituted 2-(2-fluorophenyl)-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridines] is described. Introduction of a fluorine in position 2 of the 2-phenyl substituent of the lead anti-pestivirus compound 1 (5-[(4-bromophenyl)methyl]-2-phenyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine) resulted in an analogue with selective activity against HCV in the subgenomic replicon system.

Animals↗

State of hepatitis C viral replication enhances activation of NF-kB- and AP-1-signaling induced by hepatitis B virus X.

We examined the effect of hepatitis B virus X (HBx) on NF-kB- and AP-1- mediated transcription in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, Huh-7 with or without subgenomic hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA. Expression of HBx in Huh-7 cells with HCV resulted in 4.9 times increased NF-kB-activation and 3.8 times AP-1-activation whereas that without HCV resulted in 2.4 times increased NF-kB-activation and 2.3 times AP-1-activation. Interestingly, the expression of the matured form of HCV core protein, Core173, did not activate NF-kB- or AP-1-transcription in either Huh7 with or without HCV replicon. HBx protein might play an important role in HCV-related hepatocarcinogenesis.

Blotting, Western↗

Molecular virology of the hepatitis C virus: implication for novel therapies.

The study of hepatitis C virus (HCV) molecular virology is helping to shape the future of our anti-HCV strategies by identifying new antiviral targets. With the advent of agents that specifically target individual HCV proteins, HCV-specific therapy has arrived. Key to these efforts is the development of high-efficiency HCV replicons. The future effective pharmacologic control of HCV will likely consist of a cocktail of simultaneously administered virus-specific agents with independent targets. This should minimize the emergence of resistance against any single agent. The way we treat HCV should change dramatically over the next few years.

Hepacivirus↗

Diverse structures of mcr-10-bearing plasmids and high colistin resistance in Enterobacter cloacae complex clinical isolates from South Korea.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of mcr-mediated colistin resistance in Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) poses a significant threat to antimicrobial therapy. Among mcr variants, mcr-10 has been identified in various environments, but its genetic diversity, structural context, and functional role in colistin resistance remain unclear. METHODS: We investigated 183 ECC isolates and identified 60 colistin-resistant strains through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing. The presence of mcr-10 was screened using reference genomes from NCBI, and whole plasmid sequencing was conducted on mcr-10-positive isolates. The genetic environment of mcr-10 was analyzed via synteny and structural annotation. RESULTS: Whole-plasmid sequencing of eight mcr-10-positive ECC isolates identified three replicon types among the mcr-10-harboring plasmids: IncFIB (n=3), IncFII (n=3), and IncFII/IncFIB (n=2). Although all plasmids shared the xerC-mcr-10 cassette, they lacked a conserved backbone and showed diverse genetic contexts with variable insertion sequences near mcr-10, indicating marked structural heterogeneity. No additional antimicrobial resistance genes were detected on these plasmids. When introduced into E. coli DH5α, the plasmids increased colistin MICs only modestly, whereas representative plasmids transferred into colistin-susceptible E. roggenkampii and E. kobei conferred high-level resistance comparable to that of the parental mcr-10-positive isolates. Consistently, qRT-PCR showed higher mcr-10 expression in ECC transformants than in E. coli under colistin exposure, supporting a hostdependent effect on mcr-10-mediated colistin resistance. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the diversity of mcr-10-carrying plasmids and suggest that mcr-10-mediated colistin resistance is shaped by the host genetic background. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying mcr-10 expression.

Colistin↗