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Sequential transposition of Tn916 among Staphylococcus aureus protoplasts
S C Yost1, J M Jones, P A Pattee
1Department of Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames 50011.
Plasmid
|January 1, 1988
Summary
The Streptococcus faecalis conjugal tetracycline-resistance transposon Tn916 can transpose between Staphylococcus aureus strains. This discovery highlights Tn916
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The conjugal tetracycline-resistance transposon Tn916 is originally from Streptococcus faecalis.
- Understanding transposon mobility is crucial for bacterial genetics and antibiotic resistance studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transposition of the Streptococcus faecalis conjugal tetracycline-resistance transposon Tn916 into Staphylococcus aureus.
- To assess the potential of Tn916 as a tool for genetic manipulation in S. aureus.
Main Methods:
- Regeneration of protoplasts from donor (S. faecalis with Tn916) and recipient (S. aureus) strains together.
- 3-factorial transformation analyses to detect sequential transpositions.
- DNA-DNA hybridizations to confirm Tn916 transfer and integration sites.
Main Results:
- Tn916 successfully transposed between S. faecalis and S. aureus strains without prior cell fusion.
- Only Tn916 was transferred, indicating a specific transposition mechanism rather than spontaneous protoplast fusion.
- Evidence of sequential Tn916 transpositions within S. aureus was observed.
- Tn916 integrated into diverse chromosomal locations in S. aureus.
Conclusions:
- Tn916 exhibits conjugal transposition capabilities in Staphylococcus aureus, similar to its behavior in Streptococcus faecalis.
- The ability of Tn916 to transpose and integrate at multiple sites makes it a valuable tool for genetic studies in S. aureus.