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Site-specific Bacterial Chromosome Engineering: ΦC31 Integrase Mediated Cassette Exchange (IMCE)
Published on: March 16, 2012
Protoplast fusion: a tool for intergeneric gene transfer in bacteria
D V Gokhale1, U S Puntambekar, D N Deobagkar
1Department of Biochemical Sciences, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India.
Biotechnology Advances
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Bacterial protoplast fusion, using methods like electrofusion, enables genetic recombination between diverse species. This technology holds significant potential for improving industrial bacterial strains through enhanced breeding strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology
- Genetic Engineering and Strain Improvement
Background:
- Protoplasts, bacterial cells with removed cell walls, are key for genetic manipulation.
- Traditional methods for protoplast isolation involve lysozyme and osmotic stabilizers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in bacterial protoplast fusion techniques.
- To highlight the potential of protoplast fusion for genetic recombination, especially between unrelated bacteria.
- To discuss applications in breeding and improving industrial bacterial strains.
Main Methods:
- Protoplast isolation using enzymatic digestion (e.g., lysozyme) and osmotic support.
- Protoplast fusion induced by chemical agents like polyethylene glycol (PEG).
- Electrofusion as a high-efficiency alternative to chemical fusion.
Main Results:
- Electrofusion demonstrates significantly higher fusion frequencies compared to PEG-induced fusion in bacteria.
- Protoplast fusion facilitates genetic recombination across related species and even unrelated genera.
- This technique offers a powerful tool for creating novel bacterial strains with desirable industrial traits.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial protoplast fusion, particularly electrofusion, is a promising technology for genetic engineering.
- It enables intergeneric genetic recombination, expanding possibilities for strain development.
- The review underscores the value of protoplast fusion for advancing industrial microbiology and biotechnology.
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