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Class 1 and class 2 integrons in non-prevalent serovars of Salmonella enterica: structure and association with transposons and plasmids.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize class 1 and class 2 integrons which were simultaneously detected in non-typhoid Salmonella enterica strains of non-prevalent serovars, and to investigate their possible association with transposons and/or plasmids. METHODS: Eight multidrug-resistant S. enterica strains belonging to serovars Virchow (4), Panama (2), Grumpensis (1) and Worthington (1), each containing a class 1 and a class 2 integron, were analysed. Nested PCR amplification was used to determine the gene-cassette configuration of the integrons. Overlapping PCR amplifications were applied in integron-transposon linkage experiments. Conjugation and hybridization experiments were used to localize integrons and transposons in the bacterial genome (plasmid and chromosome associated). RESULTS: One of two different class 1 integrons (with variable regions of 1000 bp/aadA1 and 2300 bp/sat-smr-aadA1) inserted into Tn21-like transposons, were found to coexist with the class 2 integron (2300 bp/dfrA1-sat1-aadA1) of Tn7 in the analysed strains. Class 1 integrons were always found in large conjugative plasmids whereas apparently intact or defective copies of the Tn7 integron could be located on the same plasmid and/or the bacterial chromosome. CONCLUSIONS: This report describes different associations between mobile genetic elements that play a crucial role in the capture and spread of antimicrobial drug resistance. As far as we are aware, this is the first description of class 2 integrons in serovars Panama, Grumpensis and Worthington.

Chromosomes, Bacterial↗

In-depth view of structure, activity, and evolution of rice chromosome 10.

Rice is the world's most important food crop and a model for cereal research. At 430 megabases in size, its genome is the most compact of the cereals. We report the sequence of chromosome 10, the smallest of the 12 rice chromosomes (22.4 megabases), which contains 3471 genes. Chromosome 10 contains considerable heterochromatin with an enrichment of repetitive elements on 10S and an enrichment of expressed genes on 10L. Multiple insertions from organellar genomes were detected. Collinearity was apparent between rice chromosome 10 and sorghum and maize. Comparison between the draft and finished sequence demonstrates the importance of finished sequence.

Chromosomes, Plant↗

An IS711 element downstream of the bp26 gene is a specific marker of Brucella spp. isolated from marine mammals.

DNA polymorphism of the bp26 gene, coding for a diagnostic protein antigen for brucellosis, was assessed by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using primers to amplify the bp26 gene with its flanking regions. Surprisingly, whereas PCR performed on DNA of the reference strains of the six recognized Brucella species produced a product of the expected size (1,029 bp), PCR performed on DNA of three representative strains from marine mammals (from a seal, a dolphin, and a porpoise) produced a larger product, of about 1,900 bp. Nucleotide sequencing of the 1,900-bp PCR products revealed the presence of an insertion sequence, IS711, downstream of the bp26 gene and adjacent to a Bru-RS1 element previously described as being a hot spot for IS711 insertion. PCR performed on a large number of field strains from different geographic origins and from marine mammal isolates indicated that the occurrence of an IS711 element downstream of the bp26 gene was a feature specific to the marine mammal Brucella strains. Thus, this PCR assay is able to differentiate Brucella terrestrial isolates from marine mammal isolates and could be applied for diagnostic purposes.

Animals↗

High-frequency transposition of IS1373, the insertion sequence delimiting the amplifiable element AUD2 of Streptomyces lividans.

IS1373 is the putative insertion sequence delimiting the amplifiable unit AUD2 of Streptomyces lividans. Two IS1373-derived thiostrepton-resistant transposons, Tn5492 and Tn5494, transposed into multiple sites of the S. lividans chromosome at frequencies as high as 0.4 and 1%, respectively. Hence, IS1373 is a functional insertion sequence and its unique open reading frame, insA, encodes the transposase.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Identification of a promoter region for 3.6-kilobase mRNA of hepatitis B virus and specific cellular binding protein.

The promoter region for transcription of the 3.6-kilobase mRNA of hepatitis B virus was identified by the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assay by using HuH-7 hepatoma cells and was found to function directly in virus production by way of the transient expression system of HBV. The 5'-upstream sequence from nucleotides 1573 to 1657 (the transcription start site) was indispensable for promoter function, while the AT-rich sequence (from nucleotides 1581 to 1604) containing a directly repeated sequence TGTT connecting the same flanking sequence PyAAAGAC (where Py is a pyrimidine) at both sides was an essential element within this promoter region. A specific cellular factor which interacted with the essential element was detected in the HuH-7 cell extract. A similar binding factor was also observed in HepG2 and huH2-2 hepatoma cells. This factor may thus be responsible for regulating 3.6-kilobase mRNA, pregenome RNA transcription, or both.

Base Sequence↗

ISH51: a large, degenerate family of insertion sequence-like elements in the genome of the archaebacterium, Halobacterium volcanii.

We describe a new family of repetitive elements in the genome of the archaebacterium Halobacterium volcanii. There are some 20-30 copies of this element, which we designate ISH51. Sequenced copies show typical insertion sequence characteristics (terminal inverted repeats, direct flanking repeats of "target site" DNA). However, members of the ISH51 family are highly heterogeneous, showing on average only 85% primary sequence homology; and some genomic copies appear to be severely truncated. Some ISH51 elements are clustered together in regions of relatively AT-rich DNA. There are at least five such AT-rich "islands" in the H. volcanii genome. Repetitive sequences homologous to ISH51 are found in the genomes of most Halobacterium and Halococcus species.

Base Sequence↗

Structural and genetic organization of IS232, a new insertion sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis.

In the Bacillus thuringiensis strains toxic for the lepidopteran larvae, the delta-endotoxin genes cryIA are frequently found within a composite transposonlike structure flanked by two inverted repeat sequences. We report that these elements are true insertion sequences and designate them IS232. IS232 is a 2,184-bp element and is delimited by two imperfect inverted repeats (28 of 37 bp are identical). Two adjacent open reading frames, overlapping for three codons, span almost the entire sequence of IS232. The potential encoded polypeptides of 50 and 30-kDa are homologous to the IstA and IstB proteins of the gram-negative insertion sequence IS21. The N-terminal part of the 50-kDa polypeptide contains a helix-turn-helix DNA-binding motif. The junctions at the insertion sites of three IS232 elements were analyzed. Each case was different, with 0, 4, or 6 bp of the target DNA being duplicated. Transposition of IS232 in Escherichia coli was demonstrated by using a genetic marker inserted upstream of the two open reading frames.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genetic constitution of industrial yeast.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae industrial yeast strains are highly heterogeneous. These industrial strains, including bakers', wine, brewing and distillers', have been compared with respect to their DNA content, number and size of chromosomes, homologies between their genes and those of laboratory strains, and restriction fragment lengths of their mitDNA. A high variability, and the presence of multigenic families, were observed in some industrial yeast groups. The occurrence or the lack of chromosomal polymorphism, as well as the presence of multiple copies of some genes, could be related to a selective process occurring under specific industrial conditions. This polymorphism is generated by reorganization events, that take place mainly during meiosis and are mediated by repetitive Y' and Ty elements. These elements give rise to ectopic and asymmetric recombination and to gene conversion. The polymorphism displayed by the mitDNA could also result from specific industrial conditions. However, in enological strains the selective process is masked by the mutagenic effect that ethanol exerts on this DNA.

Alcoholic Beverages↗

The nucleotide sequence of an unusual non-transcribed spacer and its ancestor in the rDNA in Chironomus thummi.

The nucleotide sequence of the non-transcribed spacer (NTS) in the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of Chironomus thummi thummi and Chironomus thummi piger, including major parts of the external transcribed spacer, is described. The NTS of the two subspecies are very different in length, (thummi, 7 kb, piger, 2 kb); this is due to the insertion into the NTS of C.th. thummi of a large cluster of highly repetitive DNA sequences which are not present in the NTS of C. th. piger. The repetitive sequences, called Cla elements, are present in high copy number elsewhere in the genome of C. th. thummi and, in lower copy number, in the genome of C. th. piger in which they are mainly in the centromeric regions. Sequencing of the NTS of thummi and piger yielded information on the junctions between the Cla element cluster and the original NTS sequence, as well as on the sequence of the integration site before the transposition has occurred. The integration site is characterized by a dA cluster at the one end and a dT cluster at the other.

Animals↗

The promoter of LE-ACS7, an early flooding-induced 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase gene of the tomato, is tagged by a Sol3 transposon.

Many terrestrial plants respond to flooding with enhanced ethylene production. The roots of flooded plants produce 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), which is transported from the root to the shoot, where it is converted to ethylene. In the roots, ACC is synthesized by ACC synthase, which is encoded by a multigene family. Previously, we identified two ACC synthase genes of tomato that are involved in flooding-induced ethylene production. Here, we report the cloning of LE-ACS7, a new tomato ACC synthase with a role early during flooding but also in the early wound response of leaves. The promoter of LE-ACS7 is tagged by a Sol3 transposon. A Sol3 transposon is also present in the tomato polygalacturonase promoter to which it conferred regulatory elements. Thus, Sol3 transposons may affect the regulation of LE-ACS7 and may be involved in the communication between the root and the shoot of waterlogged tomato plants.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Involvement of SRE element of Ty1 transposon in TEC1-dependent transcriptional activation.

Some Ty1 transposable element insertion mutations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae activate transcription of adjacent genes in a cell-type dependent manner. This activation requires at least STE12 and TEC1 gene products. The binding site for the STE12 protein is located in the sterile responsive element (SRE), which is just downstream the 5' LTR of Ty1 and contains one copy of the pheromone response element (PRE). This report defines the sequences in Ty1 required for TEC1-dependent activation using a TDH3::lacZ reporter gene in which the UAS was replaced by different portions of a Ty1 or Ty2 element. The Ty1 SRE seems to be sufficient to ensure the TEC1 and STE12-mediated activation whereas Ty2 SRE can activate the expression of the adjacent genes in the absence of both proteins. Adjacent to the PRE element, there is a region (PAE) with extensive sequence divergence in Ty1 and Ty2 SREs. Swapping experiments between Ty1 and Ty2 sequences show that Ty1 PAE is required for the activation of adjacent gene expression in a TEC1 and STE12-dependent manner. The use of a LexA::TEC1 construct indicates that the chimeric protein has no activation ability suggesting that TEC1 could act in conjunction with another factor.

Base Sequence↗

Expression of the Arabidopsis transposable element Tag1 is targeted to developing gametophytes.

The Arabidopsis transposon Tag1 undergoes late excision during vegetative and germinal development in plants containing 35S-Tag1-GUS constructs. To determine if transcriptional regulation can account for the developmental control of Tag1 excision, the transcriptional activity of Tag1 promoter-GUS fusion constructs of various lengths was examined in transgenic plants. All constructs showed expression in the reproductive organs of developing flowers but no expression in leaves. Expression was restricted to developing gametophytes in both male and female lineages. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed that Tag1 expression predominates in the reproductive organs of flower buds. These results are consistent with late germinal excision of Tag1, but they cannot explain the vegetative excision activity of Tag1 observed with 35S-Tag1-GUS constructs. To resolve this issue, Tag1 excision was reexamined using elements with no adjacent 35S promoter sequences. Tag1 excision in this context is restricted to germinal events with no detectable vegetative excision. If a 35S enhancer sequence is placed next to Tag1, vegetative excision is restored. These results indicate that the intrinsic activity of Tag1 is restricted to germinal excision due to targeted expression of the Tag1 transposase to developing gametophytes and that this activity is altered by the presence of adjacent enhancers or promoters.

Arabidopsis↗

Retinal degeneration slow (rds) in mouse results from simple insertion of a t haplotype-specific element into protein-coding exon II.

Retinal degeneration slow (rds) is a semidominant mutation of mice that causes dysplasia and degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors. Mutations in RDS, the human ortholog of the rds gene, are responsible for several inherited retinal dystrophies including a subset of retinitis pigmentosa. The normal rds locus encodes rds/peripherin, an integral membrane glycoprotein present in outer segment discs. Genomic libraries from wildtype and rds/rds mice were screened with an rds cDNA, and phage lambda clones that span the normal and mutant loci were mapped. We show that in mice, rds is caused by the insertion into exon II of a 9.2-kb repetitive genomic element that is very similar to the t haplotype-specific element in the H-2 complex. The entire element is included in the RNA products of the mutant locus. We present evidence that rds in mice represents a null allele.

Alleles↗

Characterization of a 4 kb variant of the nifD element in Anabaena sp. strain ATCC 33047.

Heterocyst differentiation in some cyanobacteria is accompanied by a programmed DNA rearrangement within the nitrogen fixation gene nifD. The nifD element is excised from within nifD during the latter stages of heterocyst differentiation by site-specific recombination. There is considerable variation in those nifD elements examined thus far, with Nostoc sp. Strain PCC 7120 and Anabaena variabilis having 11 kb elements, and Nostoc punctiforme having a 24 kb element. Here we characterize a 4 kb nifD element in Anabaena sp. Strain ATCC 33047, and compare it with the other sequenced nifD elements. While there is considerable variation in both the size (ranging from 4 kb to 24 kb) and composition of the nifD elements examined thus far, there are regions that are conserved in all. These conserved regions include the flanking 3' and 5' regions, the xisA gene, and a small open reading frame known as ORF2 in Nostoc sp. Strain PCC 7120.

Anabaena↗

Studies on SP6 promoter using a new plasmid vector that allows gene insertion at the transcription initiation site.

All the phage-promoter containing subcloning vectors available for in vitro transcription reactions contain a polylinker away from the transcription initiation site. A new SP6 transcription subcloning vector, pCKSP6, has been constructed, in which a gene can be inserted precisely at the transcription initiation site. This was achieved by bringing the BamHI cleavage site into the initiation site. When DNA ends of both insert gene and BamHI cleaved pCKSP6 are made blunt-ended using a single strand specific nuclease, the in vitro transcripts of the recombinant DNA by SP6 RNA polymerase will contain only the gene sequence immediately after the initiation base G. Mung bean nuclease was used to generate a series of mutants resulting from step-wise deletion of single base pairs around the initiation site. Transcription assays with these SP6 promoter mutants revealed that not only the sequence immediately upstream of the initiation site but also the six base pairs from position +1 to +6 are important elements for promoter binding and/or transcription initiation activity. Furthermore, there appears to be a hierarchy of importance of each base pair in the order of position +1 greater than +2 greater than +3 greater than +4, +5, +6, -1, -2.

Animals↗

Transposition of the heat-stable toxin astA gene into a gifsy-2-related prophage of Salmonella enterica serovar Abortusovis.

The horizontal transfer and acquisition of virulence genes via mobile genetic elements have been a major driving force in the evolution of Salmonella pathogenicity. Serovars of Salmonella enterica carry variable assortments of phage-encoded virulence genes, suggesting that temperate phages play a pivotal role in this process. Epidemic isolates of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium are consistently lysogenic for two lambdoid phages, Gifsy-1 and Gifsy-2, carrying known virulence genes. Other serovars of S. enterica, including serovars Dublin, Gallinarum, Enteritidis, and Hadar, carry distinct prophages with similarity to the Gifsy phages. In this study, we analyzed Gifsy-related loci from S. enterica serovar Abortusovis, a pathogen associated exclusively with ovine infection. A cryptic prophage, closely related to serovar Typhimurium phage Gifsy-2, was identified. This element, named Gifsy-2AO, was shown to contribute to serovar Abortusovis systemic infection in lambs. Sequence analysis of the prophage b region showed a large deletion which covers genes encoding phage tail fiber proteins and putative virulence factors, including type III secreted effector protein SseI (GtgB, SrfH). This deletion was identified in most of the serovar Abortusovis isolates tested and might be dependent on the replicative transposition of an adjacent insertion sequence, IS1414, previously identified in pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. IS1414 encodes heat-stable toxin EAST1 (astA) and showed multiple genomic copies in isolates of serovar Abortusovis. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of intergeneric transfer of virulence genes via insertion sequence elements in Salmonella. The acquisition of IS1414 (EAST1) and its frequent transposition within the chromosome might improve the fitness of serovar Abortusovis within its narrow ecological niche.

Animals↗

Transposon mutagenesis affecting thiosulfate oxidation in Bosea thiooxidans, a new chemolithoheterotrophic bacterium.

Transposon insertion mutagenesis was used to isolate mutants of Bosea thiooxidans which are impaired in thiosulfate oxidation. Suicide plasmid pSUP5011 was used to introduce the transposon Tn5 into B. thiooxidans via Escherichia coli S17.1-mediated conjugation. Neomycin-resistant transconjugants occurred at a frequency of 2.2 X 10(-4) per donor. Transconjugants defective in thiosulfate oxidation were categorized into three classes on the basis of growth response, enzyme activities, and cytochrome patterns. Class I mutants were deficient in cytochrome c, and no thiosulfate oxidase activity was detected. Class II mutants retained the activities of key enzymes of thiosulfate metabolism, although at reduced levels. Mutants of this class grown on mixed-substrate agar plates deposited elemental sulfur on the colony surfaces. Class III mutants were unable to utilize thiosulfate, though they had normal levels of cytochrome c. The transposon insertions occurred at different chromosomal positions, as confirmed by Southern blotting of chromosomal DNA of mutants deficient in thiosulfate oxidation, a deficiency which resulted from single insertions of Tn5.

DNA Transposable Elements↗

Differential excision patterns of the En-transposable element at the A2 locus in maize relate to the insertion site.

Defined mutant alleles with resident transposons display characteristic patterns of germinal and somatic reversion, and heritable changes in the timing and frequency of reversions, which have been termed "change of state" by McClintock, constantly arise. Several mechanisms were proposed to account for these changes. They may be ascribed to the structure and composition of the elements themselves (composition hypothesis) or to their location (position hypothesis). In the current study, insertion positions were determined for three autonomous En-controlled mutable alleles of the A2 locus in maize that show different somatic reversion patterns. A relationship was observed between En insertion positions in the single coding region of the intronless A2 gene and anthocyanin variegation patterns in the aleurone. An insertion in the 5' region of the coding sequence produced a very late somatic variegation pattern, whereas two early variegation patterns were caused by En insertions in the 3' region of the coding sequence.

Alleles↗