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Characterization of ISLpl4, a functional insertion sequence in Lactobacillus plantarum
Blanca de Las Rivas1, Ang ela Marcobal, Alicia Gómez
1Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Fermentaciones Industriales, CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
Gene
|November 10, 2005
Summary
A novel insertion sequence, ISLpl4, was identified in Lactobacillus plantarum and found to be a functional mobile genetic element. This sequence exhibits programmed translational frameshifting, a rare mechanism in bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Insertion sequences (IS) are mobile genetic elements that play a role in genome evolution.
- The IS982 family of transposases shares conserved features with the putative protein encoded by ISLpl4.
- Understanding the function and distribution of IS elements is crucial for comprehending bacterial genome dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel insertion sequence, ISLpl4, identified in Lactobacillus plantarum CECT 4645.
- To investigate the functional activity and genomic distribution of ISLpl4.
- To explore the potential for programmed translational frameshifting mediated by ISLpl4.
Main Methods:
- Genomic analysis of Lactobacillus plantarum CECT 4645 to identify insertion sequences.
- Sequence analysis of ISLpl4, including identification of open reading frames, terminal repeats, and target site duplications.
- Comparative genomics to detect ISLpl4 in other bacterial species.
- Experimental system to demonstrate translational frameshifting in Oenococcus oeni.
Main Results:
- ISLpl4, a 985 bp insertion sequence, was found in at least eight loci in L. plantarum CECT 4645.
- ISLpl4 possesses an open reading frame encoding a putative transposase similar to IS982 family members.
- Transposition of ISLpl4 generates 8-bp direct repeats, and its pattern evolves over generations.
- ISLpl4 copies were detected in Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Oenococcus oeni, and Lactobacillus sakei.
- A specific ISLpl4 insertion in O. oeni leads to a +1 programmed translational frameshifting event.
Conclusions:
- ISLpl4 is a functional mobile genetic element in Lactobacillus plantarum.
- The discovery of programmed translational frameshifting in ISLpl4 represents a novel mechanism for gene expression regulation in insertion sequences.
- ISLpl4's presence in multiple bacterial species suggests its potential role in horizontal gene transfer and bacterial evolution.