Conjugal transfer of plasmid pAM beta 1 in Lactobacillus reuteri and between lactobacilli and Enterococcus faecalis

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• The broad-host-range plasmid pAM beta 1 confers erythromycin resistance.
• Understanding plasmid transfer is crucial for microbial genetics and biotechnology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the conjugational transfer of plasmid pAM beta 1 from Streptococcus lactis to various Lactobacillus species.
• To determine if Lactobacillus transconjugants can act as donors for further plasmid transfer.

Main Methods:

• Conjugational transfer experiments were performed.
• Plasmid pAM beta 1 was introduced from Streptococcus lactis into Lactobacillus reuteri, L. murinus, and L. fermentum.
• Inter- and intra-species transfer experiments were conducted.

Main Results:

• Plasmid pAM beta 1 was successfully transferred to Lactobacillus reuteri, L. murinus, and L. fermentum.
• Conjugational transfer of pAM beta 1 between two L. reuteri strains was achieved.
• Lactobacillus transconjugants effectively donated pAM beta 1 to Enterococcus faecalis JH2-2.

Conclusions:

• The broad-host-range plasmid pAM beta 1 can be conjugally transferred to and maintained in several Lactobacillus species.
• Lactobacillus species harboring pAM beta 1 can serve as donors for further horizontal gene transfer events.