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Tn2011, a new transposon encoding oxacillin-hydrolyzing beta-lactamase
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|March 1, 1983
Summary
The OXA-1 gene, responsible for type II penicillinase, was identified on transposon Tn2011. This transposon confers resistance to multiple antibiotics and heavy metals, with its activity linked to gene copy number.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The OXA-1 gene encodes type II penicillinase, an oxacillin-hydrolyzing beta-lactamase.
- This gene was previously identified on plasmid Rms213.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the transposon Tn2011 carrying the OXA-1 gene.
- To investigate the properties and conferral of resistance by Tn2011.
Main Methods:
- Transposition of the OXA-1 gene to various plasmids and the host chromosome.
- Restriction endonuclease digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis for molecular weight determination.
- Assessment of transposition frequency and penicillinase activity in relation to copy number.
Main Results:
- The transposon Tn2011 was identified and characterized, with an estimated molecular weight of 12.5 x 10^6.
- Tn2011 conferred resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfonamide, and mercuric chloride.
- Transposition frequency was observed to be between 10^-4 and 10^-5.
- Type II penicillinase activity correlated with the copy number of the replicon harboring Tn2011.
Conclusions:
- Tn2011 is a functional transposon carrying the OXA-1 gene, mediating resistance to multiple agents.
- The study provides insights into the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance and the behavior of transposons.