Establishment of an Arbitrary PCR for Rapid Identification of Tn917 Insertion Sites in Staphylococcus epidermidis: Characterization of Biofilm-Negative and Nonmucoid Mutants

Transposon mutagenesis with the Enterococcus faecalis transposon Tn917 is a genetic approach frequently used to identify genes related with specific phenotypes in gram-positive bacteria. We established an arbitrary PCR for the rapid and easy identification of Tn917 insertion sites in Staphylococcus epidermidis with six independent, well-characterized biofilm-negative Tn917 transposon mutants, which were clustered in the icaADBC gene locus or harbor Tn917 in the regulatory gene rsbU. For all six of these mutants, short chromosomal DNA fragments flanking both transposon ends could be amplified. All fragments were sufficient to correctly identify the Tn917 insertion sites in the published S. epidermidis genomes. By using this technique, the Tn917 insertion sites of three not-yet-characterized biofilm-negative or nonmucoid mutants were identified. In the biofilm-negative and nonmucoid mutant M12, Tn917 is inserted into a gene homologous to the regulatory gene purR of Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The Tn917 insertions of the nonmucoid but biofilm-positive mutants M16 and M20 are located in genes homologous to components of the phosphoenolpyruvate-sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS) of B. subtilis, S. aureus, and Staphylococcus carnosus, indicating an influence of the PTS on the mucoid phenotype in S. epidermidis.     

Transposon mutagenesis and cloning of the genes encoding the enzymes of fengycin biosynthesis inBacillus subtilis

A total of 20Bacillus subtilis F29-3 mutants defective in fengycin biosynthesis was obtained by Tn917 mutagenesis. Cloning and mapping results showed that the transposon in these mutants was inserted in eleven different locations on the chromosome. We were able to use the chromosomal sequence adjacent to the transposon as a probe to screen for cosmid clones containing the fengycin biosynthesis genes. One of the clones obtained, pFC660, was 46 kb long. Eight transposon insertion sites were mapped within this plasmid. Among the eleven different mutants analyzed, four mutants had Tn917 inserted in regions which encoded peptide sequences similar to part of gramicidin S synthetase, surfactin synthetase, and tyrocidine synthetase. Our results suggest that fengycin is synthesized nonribosomally by the multienzyme thiotemplate mechanism.     

Insertion of Transposon Tn917 Derivatives into the Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis Chromosome

Two transposition vectors, pTV32 and pLTV1, containing transposon Tn917 derivatives TV32 and LTV1, respectively, were introduced into Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis MG1614. It was found that pTV32 and pLTV1 replicate and that TV32 and LTV1 transpose in this strain. A protocol for production of a collection of Tn917 insertions in L. lactis subsp. lactis was developed. The physical locations of TV32 on the chromosomal SmaI fragments of 62 independent transpositions were established by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. These transpositions could be divided into at least 38 different groups that exhibited no Tn917-dominating hot spots on the L. lactis subsp. lactis chromosome. A total of 10 of the 62 transpositions resulted in strains that express β-galactosidase. This indicates that there was fusion of the promoterless lacZ of the Tn917 derivatives to a chromosomal promoter. Thus, the Tn917-derived transposons should be powerful genetic tools for studying L. lactis subsp. lactis.     

Transposon mutagenesis and cloning of the genes encoding the enzymes of fengycin biosynthesis inBacillus subtilis

A total of 20Bacillus subtilis F29-3 mutants defective in fengycin biosynthesis was obtained by Tn917 mutagenesis. Cloning and mapping results showed that the transposon in these mutants was inserted in eleven different locations on the chromosome. We were able to use the chromosomal sequence adjacent to the transposon as a probe to screen for cosmid clones containing the fengycin biosynthesis genes. One of the clones obtained, pFC660, was 46 kb long. Eight transposon insertion sites were mapped within this plasmid. Among the eleven different mutants analyzed, four mutants had Tn917 inserted in regions which encoded peptide sequences similar to part of gramicidin S synthetase, surfactin synthetase, and tyrocidine synthetase. Our results suggest that fengycin is synthesized nonribosomally by the multienzyme thiotemplate mechanism.     

Transposon Tn5 as an identifiable marker in rhizobia: Survival and genetic stability of Tn5 mutant bean rhizobia under temperature stressed conditions in desert soils

Five transposon Tn5 insertion mutants of a beanRhizobium strain (Rhizobium leguminosarum b. v.phaseoli) were used in an ecological study to evaluate the extent to which transposon Tn5 was stable to serve as an identifiable marker in rhizobia under a high temperature stress condition in two Sonoran Desert soils. All the mutants possessed single chromosomal insertions of the transposon. In both soils, under the temperature stress conditions that were employed (40°C), both wild type and mutant populations possessing functional transposable elements declined rapidly. After 12 days, mutant cells, when screened using the Tn5 coded antibiotic resistance markers, were significantly less in number than when they were screened using only their intrinsic antibiotic resistance markers. There were no significant differences in numbers between the mutant cell population and the wild type when the mutant cells were screened using only the intrinsic antibiotic resistance markers. DNA-DNA hybridizations using a probe indicated neither deletion nor transposition of the transposable element. The results indicate that transposon DNA sequences are present within cells under high temperature stress conditions, but kanamycin/neomycin resistance is not expressed by some of these cells, suggesting that Tn5 undergoes a possible functional inactivation under these conditions. The possible implications of these findings are discussed.     

Detection and Measurement of Staphylococcus epidermidis Slime Using an ELISA Technique

A polyclonal rabbit anti-serum against the strong slime-producing Staphylococcus epidermidis strain RP62A was absorbed with the slime-negative phase variant of this strain PV1 in order to remove not slime-specific antibodies. Using this antiserum we established an ELISA which enables detection of slime production in S. epidermidis extracts. The ELISA showed high absorbance when extracts from slime-positive strains (confirmed in the tissue culture tube test) were used as antigens. The high absorbance of slime-positive strains was greatly reduced by periodate oxidation of the extracts and was resistant to proteinase digestion suggesting that the detected antigen is composed of polysaccharides. In contrast to other rapid and simple laboratory detection methods for S. epidermidis slime, the slime-specific ELISA gave positive results in the presence of human serum.     

Cloning and Sequencing of the Spore Germination Gene of Bacillus megaterium ATCC 12872: Similarities to the NaH-Antiporter Gene of Enterococcus hirae

The germination mutant TM-31 of Bacillus megaterium ATCC 12872, was isolated by transposon Tn917 insertional mutagenesis. Glucose, L -proline, L -leucine and KNO₃ germinated TM-31 poorly. The DNA in the region of the Tn917 insertion was cloned, and its nucleotide sequence determined. One major open reading frame was present on the cloned DNA. The hydrophobic protein encoded is presumably membrane-associated. A homology search revealed that the gene encoded in the region of the Tn917 insertion is homologous to napA of Enterococcus hirae. napA codes for the NaH-antiporter. It is hypothesized that transport of cations must play an important role in spore germination in B. megaterium ATCC 12872.     

Establishment of Tn5096-Based Transposon Mutagenesis in Gordonia polyisoprenivorans

The transposons Tn5, Tn10, Tn611, and Tn5096 were characterized regarding transposition in Gordonia polyisoprenivorans strain VH2. No insertional mutants were obtained employing Tn5 or Tn10. The thermosensitive plasmid pCG79 harboring Tn611 integrated into the chromosome of G. polyisoprenivorans; however, the insertional mutants were fairly unstable und reverted frequently to the wild-type phenotype. In contrast, various stable mutants were obtained employing Tn5096-mediated transposon mutagenesis. Auxotrophic mutants, mutants defective or deregulated in carotenoid biosynthesis, and mutants defective in utilization of rubber and/or highly branched isoprenoid hydrocarbons were obtained by integration of plasmid pMA5096 harboring Tn5096 as a whole into the genome. From about 25,000 isolated mutants, the insertion loci of pMA5096 were subsequently mapped in 20 independent mutants in genes which could be related to the above-mentioned metabolic pathways or to putative regulation proteins. Analyses of the genotypes of pMA5096-mediated mutants defective in biodegradation of poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) did not reveal homologues to recently identified genes coding for enzymes catalyzing the initial cleavage of poly(cis-1,4-isoprene). One rubber-negative mutant was disrupted in mcr, encoding an α-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase. This mutant was defective in degradation of poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) and also of highly branched isoprenoid hydrocarbons.     

The cell envelope subtilisin-like proteinase is a virulence determinant for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptococcus suis</Emphasis>

Background  

Streptococcus suis is a major swine pathogen and zoonotic agent that mainly causes septicemia, meningitis, and endocarditis. It has recently been suggested that proteinases produced by S. suis (serotype 2) are potential virulence determinants. In the present study, we screened a S. suis mutant library created by the insertion of Tn917 transposon in order to isolate a mutant deficient in a cell surface proteinase. We characterized the gene and assessed the proteinase for its potential as a virulence factor.     

Random insertion of Tn4560 in Streptomyces lividans and Streptomyces avermitilis

Summary Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to show that insertions of transposon Tn4560 in Streptomyces lividans 66 and the avermectin-producer S. avermitilis are randomly distributed. DNA from the latter strain suffered degradation during electrophoresis that could be avoided by modification of the buffer. Inverse PCR primers were developed for Tn4560.     

sarA negatively regulates Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation by modulating expression of 1 MDa extracellular matrix binding protein and autolysis‐dependent release of eDNA

Biofilm formation is essential for Staphylococcus epidermidis pathogenicity in implant‐associated infections. Nonetheless, large proportions of invasive Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates fail to form a biofilm in vitro. We here tested the hypothesis that this apparent paradox is related to the existence of superimposed regulatory systems suppressing a multicellular biofilm life style in vitro. Transposon mutagenesis of clinical significant but biofilm‐negative S. epidermidis 1585 was used to isolate a biofilm positive mutant carrying a Tn917 insertion in sarA, chief regulator of staphylococcal virulence. Genetic analysis revealed that inactivation of sarA induced biofilm formation via overexpression of the giant 1 MDa extracellular matrix binding protein (Embp), serving as an intercellular adhesin. In addition to Embp, increased extracellular DNA (eDNA) release significantly contributed to biofilm formation in mutant 1585ΔsarA. Increased eDNA amounts indirectly resulted from upregulation of metalloprotease SepA, leading to boosted processing of autolysin AtlE, in turn inducing augmented autolysis and release of eDNA. Hence, this study identifies sarA as a negative regulator of Embp‐ and eDNA‐dependent biofilm formation. Given the importance of SarA as a positive regulator of polysaccharide mediated cell aggregation, the regulator enables S. epidermidis to switch between mechanisms of biofilm formation, ensuring S. epidermidis adaptation to hostile environments.     

A novel method for the rapid cloning in Escherichia coli of Bacillus subtilis chromosomal DNA adjacent to Tn917 insertions

Summary A rapid and general procedure has been devised for the pBR322-mediated cloning in Escherichia coli of Bacillus subtilis chromosomal DNA extending in a specified direction from any Tn917 insertion. Derivatives of Tn917 have been constructed that contain a pBR322-derived replicon, together with a chloramphenicol-resistance (Cm^r) gene of Gram-positive origin (selectable in B. subtilis), inserted by ligation in two orientations into a SalI restriction site located near the center of the transposon. When linearized plasmid DNA carrying such derivatives was used to transform to Cm^r B. subtilis bacteria already containing a chromosomal insertion of Tn917, the pBR322 sequences efficiently became integrated into the chromosomal copy of the transposon by homologous recombination. It was then possible to clone chromosomal sequences adjacent to either transposon insertion junction into E. coli, using a selection for ampicillin-resistance, by transforming CaCl₂-treated cells with small amounts of insert-containing DNA that had been digested with various restriction enzymes and then ligated at a dilute concentration. Because pBR322 sequences may be inserted by recombination in either orientation with respect to the transposon arms, a single restriction enzyme (such as EcoRi or SphI) that has a unique recognition site in pBR322 DNA may be used to separately clone chromosomal DNA extending in either direction from the site of any transposon insertion. A family of clones generated from the region of an insertional spo mutation (spoIIH::Tn917) was used in Southern hybridization experiments to verify that cloned material isolated with this procedure accurately reflected the arrangement of sequences present in the chromosome. Strategies are discussed for taking advantage of certain properties inherent in the structure of clones generated in this way to facilitate the identification and study of promoters of insertionally mutated genes.     

Transposon mutagenesis of Rhizobium japonicum

Summary We report here successful mutagenesis with Transposon Tn5 of three slow-growing strains of Rhizobium japonicum USDA 122, 61A76, USDA 74 and one fast-growing strain, USDA 191. Strains were chosen as representatives of different DNA homology and serogroups of this divergent species, which effectively nodulate North American soybean cultivars. The source of Tn5 was the suicide plasmid pGS9, which possesses broad host range N-type transfer genes in a narrow host range p15A replicon. The selection of Tn5 mutants was facilitated by the expression of the Tn5 encoded streptomycin gene in R. japonicum. Kanamycin and streptomycin resistant colonies appeared from interspecific crosses with E. coli at optimal frequencies of 10^-6 for R. japonicum USDA 61A76 and USDA 191 and 5x10^-7 for R. japonicum USDA 122 and USDA 74. Altogether, 6550 Tn5 mutants were isolated in USDA 122 and 61A76, and a small number from USDA 74 and USDA 191. Colony hybridization showed that all tested mutants of 61A76 and USDA 122 contained Tn5. Physical analysis of total DNAs from representative numbers of USDA 122, 61A76 and USDA 191 mutants revealed that each of them carried one copy of the transposon integrated randomly in the genome. This was also true for most USDA 74 mutants. Screening of mutants for auxotrophy showed frequencies of 0.2% for USDA 122 and 0.08% for 61A76. Several symbiotically defective mutants were identified on plants, Glycine soja and G. max.     

Constitutive expression of erythromycin resistance mediated by the ermAM determinant of plasmid pAMβ1 results from deletion of 5′ leader peptide sequences

We have sequenced the erythromycin resistance determinant (erm) of the Streptococcus faecalis plasmid pAMβ1 to investigate its relationship to other known resistance determinants. We show that this determinant is strongly (99%) homologous at the DNA level to that of plasmid pAM77 (Streptococcus sanguis) and of transposon Tn917 (S. faecalis). Moreover, nucleotide sequence comparison with the determinants of pAM77 and Tn917 shows that most of the probable regulatory region is absent, providing an explanation for the constitutive expression of the pAMβ1 erm determinant.     

Cyanobacterial Transposons Tn5469 and Tn5541 Represent a Novel Noncomposite Transposon Family

A noncomposite transposon, designated Tn5541, was isolated from strain Fd33 of the filamentous cyanobacterium Fremyella diplosiphon UTEX 481. Sequence analysis showed that Tn5541 is structurally and genetically very similar to Tn5469, which is also endogenous to F. diplosiphon. Both Tn5469 and Tn5541 encode homologous forms of an unusual composite transposase and a protein of unknown function. DNA hybridization analysis showed that like Tn5469, Tn5541 was not widely distributed among cyanobacterial genera. A similar analysis showed that Tn5469 and Tn5541 were equally limited to and present as multiple genomic copies in three of six distinct strains comprising the Tolypothrix 1 cluster of heterocyst-forming filamentous cyanobacteria. These and other distinguishing features suggest that Tn5469 and Tn5541 represent a novel noncomposite transposon family.     

Transposon mutagenesis in Azospirillum brasilense: isolation of auxotrophic and Nif- mutants and molecular cloning of the mutagenized nifDNA

Summary We report the successful mutagenesis of Azospirillum brasilense 29710 Rif Sm with transposon Tn5. The narrow host-range plasmid pGS9 (p15A replicon), which possesses broad host-range N-type transfer genes, was used as the suicide vehicle to deliver Tn5 in Azospirillum. Out of 900 colonies tested, 0.8% proved to be auxotrophic. One mutant altered in indoleacetic acid (auxin) biosynthesis was isolated and, in addition, three mutants completely defective in nitrogen fixation (nif) were obtained. All the mutants tested contained a single copy of Tn5 integrated randomly in the genome. The Tn5-mutagenized EcoRI fragments were cloned from the three Nif^- mutants. Physical analysis of cloned DNA showed that Tn5 was present on a different EcoRI fragment in each case, ranging in size from 15–17 kb. The nitrogenase structural genes (nifHDK) in A. brasilense 29710 Rif Sm were localized on a 6.7 kb EcoRI fragment. We found that Tn5 is not inserted in the nifHDK genes in the Nif^- mutants reported here. Site-directed mutagenesis using the cloned, Tn5-containing DNA from mutant Nif27(pMS188), produced a large number of Nif^- transconjugants of the A. brasilense 29710 Rif wild-type strain, showing the linkage between Tn5 insertion and the Nif^- phenotype. This is the first time that transposon-mutagenized auxotrophic, Nif^- and other mutants have been available for genetic analysis in Azospirillum. This should greatly facilitate the cloning and mapping of genes involved in nitrogen fixation as well as in many other phenotypic characteristics of Azospirillum.     

The transposable elements resident on the plasmids of Pseudomonas putida strain H, Tn 5501 and Tn 5502 , are cryptic transposons of the Tn 3 family

Genes for (methyl)phenol degradation in Pseudomonas putida strain H (phl genes) are located on the plasmid pPGH1. Adjacent to the phl catabolic operon we identified a cryptic transposon, Tn5501, of the Tn3 family (class II transposons). The genes encoding the resolvase and the transposase are transcribed in the same direction, as is common for the Tn501 subfamily. The enzymes encoded by Tn5501, however, show only the overall homology characteristic for resolvases/integrases and transposases of Tn3-type transposons. Therefore it is likely that Tn5501 is not a member of one of the previously defined subfamilies. Inactivation of the conditional lethal sacB gene was used to detect transposition of Tn5501. While screening for transposition events we found another transposon integrated into sacB in one of the sucrose-resistant survivors. This element, Tn5502, is a composite transposon consisting of Tn5501 and an additional DNA fragment. It is flanked by inverted repeats identical to those of Tn5501 and the additional fragment is separated from the Tn5501 portion by an internal repeat (identical to the left terminal repeat). Transposition of phenol degradation genes could not be detected. Analysis of sequence data revealed that the phl genes are not located on a Tn5501-like transposon. Received: 21 July 1997 / Accepted: 7 July 1998     

Analysis of the Complete Nucleotide Sequence of the Tetracycline-Resistance Transposon Tn10

An analysis of the complete nucleotide sequence of the composite tetracycline-resistance transposon Tn10 (9147 bp) from the Salmonella typhi conjugative plasmid R27 is presented. A comparison of the protein sequences from IS10-right and IS10-left transposases has identified four amino acid differences. These residues appear to play an important role in normal transposase function and may account for the differences in exhibited transposition activities. The tetracycline determinants encoded by this version of Tn10 share >99% identity with those of Tn10^R100, demonstrating the conservation that exists between these transposons. A previously uncharacterized 3000-bp region of Tn10 contains four putative open reading frames. One of these open reading frames shares 55% identity with the glutamate permease protein sequence from Haemophilus influenzae although it was unable to complement an Escherichia coli glutamate permease mutant, with which it shares 51% identity. The three remaining putative open reading frames are arranged as a discrete genetic unit adjacent to the glutamate permease homolog and are transcribed in the opposite direction. Two of these open reading frames are homologous with Bacillus subtilis proteins of unknown functions while the other has no homologs in the database. The presence of an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase class II motif in one of these open reading frames in combination with the glutamate permease homolog allows us to postulate that this region of Tn10 could once have played a role in amino acid metabolism.     

Characterization of aStaphylococcus aureusTransposon, Tn5405,Located within Tn5404and Carrying the Aminoglycoside Resistance Genes,aphA-3andaadE

A new staphylococcal composite transposon, designated Tn5405,carrying the genesaphA-3andaadE,which encode resistance to aminoglycosides, was partially characterized. The transposon is 12 kb long and is flanked by inverted repeated sequences displaying the characteristic features of an insertion sequence, named IS1182.This insertion sequence is 1864 bp long and has 23/33-bp imperfect inverted repeats at its ends. One of the IS1182copies delimiting Tn5405contains a copy of IS1181flanked by 8-bp direct repeats. Tn5405was found in the chromosome of MRSA clinical isolate BM3121, within a Tn552-related transposon, Tn5404.Tn5404was previously characterized following its transposition onto a β-lactamase plasmid harbored by BM3121. Two forms of the recombinant β-lactamase-encoding plasmid generated by the inversion of Tn5405within Tn5404were detected. IS1182was not detected in the DNA of 4 of the 17 tested MRSA isolates containingaphA-3and resistant to streptomycin. Thus,aphA-3andaadEgenes are not disseminated only by Tn5405or related transposons delimited by IS1182.