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[Cloning of mitomycin C resistance gene from Streptoverticillium caespitosum ATCC27422 and studying its function]

J Huang1, X Lu, Y Mao

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular Regulation for Microbial Secondary Metabolism, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200032.

Insights

Researchers identified a mitomycin C resistance gene (mcr) in Streptoverticillium caespitosum. Introducing this gene into the strain significantly increased mitomycin C resistance and enhanced drug production.

Area of Science:

  • * Microbiology and Genetic Engineering: Focuses on microbial genetics and the manipulation of Streptoverticillium caespitosum for biotechnological applications.
  • * Drug Discovery and Development: Investigates the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance and biosynthesis, specifically for the anti-cancer drug mitomycin C.

Context:

  • * Streptoverticillium caespitosum is a key producer of the anti-cancer compound mitomycin C.
  • * Genetic manipulation of this strain is challenging due to a robust DNA restriction system.
  • * Previous efforts to engineer the strain for improved mitomycin C production were limited.

Purpose:

  • * To overcome the DNA restriction system in Streptoverticillium caespitosum and enable genetic transformation.
  • * To identify and clone the mitomycin C resistance gene (mcr) from Streptoverticillium caespitosum.
  • * To enhance mitomycin C production in Streptoverticillium caespitosum through genetic modification.

Summary:

  • * A gene library from Streptoverticillium caespitosum ATCC27422 was constructed using a blocked mutant (S-6) and plasmid pIJ699.
  • * A mitomycin C resistance gene (mcr) was identified and cloned onto the 6.2 kb fragment of plasmid pLX5.
  • * Plasmid pLX5 was successfully introduced into Streptoverticillium caespitosum ATCC27422 via electroporation, significantly increasing mitomycin C resistance (MIC >1000 µg/ml).
  • * Fermentation studies revealed that transformants harboring pLX5 exhibited higher mitomycin C yields compared to the wild-type strain.

Impact:

  • * Demonstrates the successful introduction of foreign DNA into Streptoverticillium caespitosum, overcoming its restriction system.
  • * Provides the first successful expression of a mitomycin C resistance gene (mcr) in Streptomyces lividans TK54.
  • * Suggests a correlation between mitomycin C resistance levels and the biosynthesis of mitomycin C, opening avenues for yield improvement.

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