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Involvement of a Spiroplasma citri plasmid in the erythromycin-resistance transfer

J C Salvado1, G Barroso, J Labarère

  • 1Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Université de Bordeaux II, Pont-de-la-Maye, France.

Plasmid
|September 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Researchers transferred erythromycin resistance in Spiroplasma citri using plasmid pM42. This plasmid DNA integrated into the host chromosome, enabling resistance in recipient cells.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Spiroplasma citri is a plant pathogen.
  • Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in microbial pathogens.
  • Understanding gene transfer mechanisms is crucial for controlling resistant strains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism of erythromycin resistance transfer in Spiroplasma citri.
  • To identify the genetic element responsible for conferring erythromycin resistance.
  • To elucidate the integration mechanism of the resistance gene in the host chromosome.

Main Methods:

  • Selection of an erythromycin-resistant Spiroplasma citri strain (M4 Er-1).
  • Transformation experiments using alkali cations and polyethylene glycol treatment.
  • Plasmid DNA purification and characterization.
  • Restriction endonuclease mapping and DNA hybridization analysis.

Main Results:

  • Erythromycin resistance was successfully transferred to a sensitive S. citri strain (R8A2+) via transformation.
  • Plasmid pM42 was identified as the carrier of the erythromycin resistance gene.
  • Plasmid pM42 shares homology with plasmid pMH1.
  • A specific sequence from pM42 integrated into the chromosome of resistant strains.

Conclusions:

  • Plasmid pM42 mediates erythromycin resistance transfer in Spiroplasma citri.
  • The resistance mechanism involves chromosomal integration of a plasmid-derived sequence.
  • This study provides insights into horizontal gene transfer and antibiotic resistance in Spiroplasma.

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