Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
In vitro tRNA Methylation Assay with the Entamoeba histolytica DNA and tRNA Methyltransferase Dnmt2 (Ehmeth) Enzyme
Published on: October 19, 2010
Genetic environment of 16S rRNA methylase gene rmtD
Yohei Doi1, Jennifer M Adams-Haduch, David L Paterson
1Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Falk Medical Building Suite 3A, 3601 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. doiy@dom.pitt.edu
Abstract:
The genetic environment of the 16S rRNA methylase gene rmtD was investigated. rmtD was flanked by a novel ISCR motif located downstream of class I integron In163 in the original Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain. rmtD found in Klebsiella pneumoniae appeared to have been mobilized from P. aeruginosa by an IS26-mediated event.
Insights
The 16S rRNA methylase gene, rmtD, was studied in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. It was found that IS26 likely mobilized rmtD from P. aeruginosa to K. pneumoniae.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The 16S rRNA methylase gene, rmtD, confers resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics.
- Integrons and insertion sequences are mobile genetic elements that contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic environment of the rmtD gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- To elucidate the mechanism of rmtD mobilization between bacterial species.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid DNA extraction and sequencing.
- Bioinformatic analysis of gene sequences.
- Comparative genomics.
Main Results:
- The rmtD gene in the original Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain was found to be downstream of a class I integron (In163) and flanked by a novel ISCR element.
- The rmtD gene in Klebsiella pneumoniae was associated with an IS26 insertion sequence, suggesting mobilization from P. aeruginosa.
Conclusions:
- The ISCR element plays a role in the genetic environment of rmtD in P. aeruginosa.
- IS26-mediated transposition is a likely mechanism for the interspecies transfer of the rmtD gene from P. aeruginosa to K. pneumoniae.
- Understanding these mobilization mechanisms is crucial for combating the spread of antibiotic resistance.
