Transfer of the symbiotic plasmid of Rhizobium etli CFN42 requires cointegration with p42a, which may be mediated by site-specific recombination

Plasmid p42a from Rhizobium etli CFN42 is self-transmissible and indispensable for conjugative transfer of the symbiotic plasmid (pSym). Most pSym transconjugants also inherit p42a. pSym transconjugants that lack p42a always contain recombinant pSyms, which we designated RpSyms*. RpSyms* do not contain some pSym segments and instead have p42a sequences, including the replication and transfer regions. These novel recombinant plasmids are compatible with wild-type pSym, incompatible with p42a, and self-transmissible. The symbiotic features of derivatives simultaneously containing a wild-type pSym and an RpSym* were analyzed. Structural analysis of 10 RpSyms* showed that 7 shared one of the two pSym-p42a junctions. Sequencing of this common junction revealed a 53-bp region that was 90% identical in pSym and p42a, including a 5-bp central region flanked by 9- to 11-bp inverted repeats reminiscent of bacterial and phage attachment sites. A gene encoding an integrase-like protein (intA) was localized downstream of the attachment site on p42a. Mutation or the absence of intA abolished pSym transfer from a recA mutant donor. Complementation with the wild-type intA gene restored transfer of pSym. We propose that pSym-p42a cointegration is required for pSym transfer; cointegration may be achieved either through homologous recombination among large reiterated sequences or through IntA-mediated site-specific recombination between the attachment sites. Cointegrates formed through the site-specific system but resolved through RecA-dependent recombination or vice versa generate RpSyms*. A site-specific recombination system for plasmid cointegration is a novel feature of these large plasmids and implies that there is unique regulation which affects the distribution of pSym in nature due to the role of the cointegrate in conjugative transfer.     

Theta-type DNA replication stimulates homologous recombination in the Bacillus subtilis chromosome

To test the effects of theta-type replication on homologous DNA recombination, we integrated in the chromosome of Bacillus subtilis a structure comprising a conditional replication region and direct repeats of ∼ 4 kb. The replicon was derived from a broad-host-range plasmid, pAMβ1, which replicates by a unidirectional theta mechanism and is thermosensitive. The direct repeats were derived from plasmid pBR322 and flanked the chloramphenicol-resistance gene of plasmid pC194. Recombination between the repeats could therefore lead to a loss of the resistance gene or the appearance of additional repeats. The integrated replicon was active at the permissive temperature, and ∼ 25% of the integrated plasmids could be isolated as Y-shaped molecules after restriction, having a branch at the replication origin. Replicon activity stimulated recombination four- to fivefold, as estimated from the proportion of chloramphenicol-sensitive cells at the restrictive and permissive temperature, and also led to the appearance of additional direct repeats. We conclude that theta-type replication stimulates homologous recombination and suggest that many or even most recombination events between long homologous sequences present in a bacterial genome may be the consequence of DNA replication.     

An RP4-prime containing a 285 kb fragment of rhizobium meliloti pSym megaplasmid: Structural characterization and utilization for genetic studies of symbiotic functions controlled by pSym

Summary We integrated the RP4 plasmid into a selected region of the pSym megaplasmid of Rhizobium meliloti 2011 by homologous recombination between pSym and a cloned fragment of pSym present in the RP4. This cointegrate was used to mobilize into Escherichia coli a Tn5 transposon located on pSym in the vicinity of the site of integration of the RP4. By this technique we obtained a series of RP4-primes that contained large fragments of the pSym megaplasmid and that were most probably generated by IS8 promoted deletions in the RP4-pSym cointegrate. One of them, pGMI42, which carries nitrogenase genes nifD and H as well as nodulation genes, was used for mutagenesis of the corresponding region of pSym after insertion of the Mu prophage into the tet gene. When various (pGMI-42:: Mu)::Tn7 were introduced into R. meliloti 2011 by conjugation, homologous recombination allowed insertion of Tn7 into pSym whereas the pGMI42::Mu was lost due to the suicide effect of Mu. In this way we obtained several symbiotic mutants deficient in either nodulation (Nod^-) or nitrogen fixation (Fix^-) in association with the host plant Medicago sativa.This paper is affectionately dedicated to the memory of Jean-Simon Julliot who initiated and inspired this work and who was killed by an avalanche on February 21, 1982     

Genes Essential for Nod Factor Production and Nodulation Are Located on a Symbiotic Amplicon (AMPRtrCFN299pc60) in Rhizobium tropici

Amplifiable DNA regions (amplicons) have been identified in the genome of Rhizobium etli. Here we report the isolation and molecular characterization of a symbiotic amplicon of Rhizobium tropici. To search for symbiotic amplicons, a cartridge containing a kanamycin resistance marker that responds to gene dosage and conditional origins of replication and transfer was inserted in the nodulation region of the symbiotic plasmid (pSym) of R. tropici CFN299. Derivatives harboring amplifications were selected by increasing the concentration of kanamycin in the cell culture. The amplified DNA region was mobilized into Escherichia coli and then into Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The 60-kb symbiotic amplicon, which we termed AMPRtrCFN299pc60, contains several nodulation and nitrogen fixation genes and is flanked by a novel insertion sequence ISRtr1. Amplification of AMPRtrCFN299pc60 through homologous recombination between ISRtr1 repeats increased the amount of Nod factors. Strikingly, the conjugal transfer of the amplicon into a plasmidless A. tumefaciens strain confers on the transconjugant the ability to produce R. tropici Nod factors and to nodulate Phaseolus vulgaris, indicating that R. tropici genes essential for the nodulation process are confined to an ampliable DNA region of the pSym.     

Molecular interactions of a replication initiator protein, RepA, with the replication origin of the enterococcal plasmid p703/5

We previously identified the origin of replication of p703/5, a small cryptic plasmid from the KBL703 strain of Enterococcus faecalis. The origin of replication contains putative regulatory cis-elements required for replication and a replication initiator (RepA) gene. The replicon of p703/5 is similar in its structural organization to theta-type plasmids, and RepA is homologous to a family of Rep proteins identified in several plasmids from Gram-positive bacteria. Here, we report molecular interactions between RepA and the replication origin of p703/5. DNase I footprinting using recombinant RepA together with electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed the binding of RepA to the replication origin of p703/5 via iterons and an inverted repeat. We also demonstrated the formation of RepA dimers and the different binding of RepA to the iteron and the inverted repeat using gel filtration chromatographic analysis, a chemical crosslinking assay, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays in the presence of guanidine hydrochloride. Our results suggest that RepA plays a regulatory role in the replication of the enterococcal plasmid p703/5 via mechanisms similar to those of typical iteron-carrying theta-type plasmids.     

Discrete amplifiable regions (amplicons) in the symbiotic plasmid of Rhizobium etli CFN42.

Frequent tandem amplification of defined regions of the genome, called amplicons, is a common characteristic in the genomes of some Rhizobium species, such as Rhizobium etli. In order to map these zones in a model Rhizobium replicon, we undertook an analysis of the plasticity patterns fostered by amplicons in the pSym (390 kb) of R. etli CFN42. Data presented in this article indicate the presence of four amplicons in pSym, used for the generation of tandem amplifications and deletions. The amplicons are large, ranging from 90 to 175 kb, and they are overlapping. Each amplicon is usually flanked by specific reiterated sequences. Formation of amplifications and deletions requires an active recA gene. All the amplicons detected are concentrated in a zone of roughly one-third of pSym, covering most of the symbiotic genes detected in this plasmid. No amplicons were detected in the remaining two-thirds of pSym. These data support the idea that most of the known symbiotic genes in this plasmid are located in a genomic region that is prone to the formation of frequent tandem amplification.     

Trans- and cis-acting elements for the replication of P1 miniplasmids

Replication-deficient mutants of the unit-copy miniplasmid lambda-P1:5R were isolated after hydroxylamine mutagenesis. Complementation tests showed that the majority of these mutants are defective in the production of the repA protein product. Two of these mutants have suppressible nonsense (amber) mutations. The DNA sequence of one of these, repA103, has been determined. The lesion lies within the repA open reading frame, showing that the repA product is essential for plasmid replication. Complementation of deletion mutants of lambda-P1:5R by repA protein showed that the origin of replication lies to the left of repA and that this 300-base-pair origin region is the only portion of the DNA essential for plasmid replication if repA protein is supplied in trans. Six of the 21 hydroxylamine-induced mutants were not complemented by repA. Replication of three of these could be restored by introduction into the plasmid of a wild-type origin region, suggesting that they were origin-defective. The DNA sequence of two mutants was determined. Mutant rep-11 has a 43-base-pair deletion within the incC sequence (incC is a series of five direct repeats of a 19-base-pair sequence known to be involved in the regulation of plasmid replication). The deletion appears to have been generated by homologous recombination between two repeats. Mutant rep-30 has a single base substitution in a region just to the left of incC that destroys one of five G-A-T-C (dam methylation) sites in this region. As lambda-P1:5R is unable to establish itself as a plasmid in a methylase-defective (dam-) strain, it seems probable that methylation of the G-A-T-C sequences is important for origin function. The incC region and the sequences to its left appear to constitute an essential part of the origin of replication.     

Partial deletion of the Rhizobium phaseoli CFN23 symbiotic plasmid implies a concomitant amplification of plasmid DNA sequences

Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar phaseoli CFN23 loses its ability to nodulate beans at a high frequency because of a deletion of part of its symbiotic (pSym) plasmid (Soberón-Chávez et al., 1986). We report here that at least 80 kb of pSym are deleted upon loss of the symbiotic phenotype; the deletion removes the nitrogenase structural nifHDK and the common nodABC genes. The size of the deleted pSym is not reduced, since it is accompanied by an amplification of other pSym plasmid sequences. This genetic rearrangement is similar to the deletion and amplification of yeast mitochondrial DNA leading to 'petite' mutations.     

In Rhizobium etli symbiotic plasmid transfer, nodulation competitivity and cellular growth require interaction among different replicons

Bacteria belonging to the genus Rhizobium are able to develop two different lifestyles, in symbiotic association with plant roots or through saprophytic growth. The genome of Rhizobium strains is constituted by a chromosome and several large plasmids, one of them containing most of the genes involved in symbiosis (symbiotic plasmid or pSym). Our model strain Rhizobium etli CFN42 contains six plasmids. We have constructed multiple plasmid-cured derivatives of this strain and used them to analyze the contribution of these plasmids to free-living cellular viability, competitivity for nodulation, plasmid transfer, and utilization of diverse carbon sources. Our results show that the transfer of the pSym is strictly dependent on the presence of another plasmid; consequently under conditions where pSym transfer is required, nodulation relies on the presence of a plasmid devoid of nodulation genes. We also found a drastic decrease in competitivity for nodulation in multiple plasmid-cured derivatives when compared with single plasmid-cured strains. Cellular growth and viability were greatly diminished in some multiple plasmid-cured strains. The utilization of a number of carbon sources depends on the presence of specific plasmids. The results presented in this work indicate that functional interactions among sequences scattered in the different plasmids are required for successful completion of both lifestyles.     

Molecular analysis of the replication region of the theta-replicating plasmid pUCL287 from Tetragenococcus (Pediococcus) halophilus ATCC33315

The complete nucleotide sequence of the 8.7-kb theta-replicating plasmid pUCL287 from Tetragenococcus halophilus (formerly Pediococcus halophilus) ATCC33315 has been determined. The replication region was identified and analyzed. Its nucleotide sequence contains an untranslated region, the replication origin, followed by two open reading frames (ORFs) encoding two proteins of 311 (RepA287) and 168 (RepB287) amino acids, respectively. Evidence is presented to show that RepA287 represents the plasmid replication protein. RepB287, which is non-essential for replication, is involved in the plasmid copy-number control and segregational stability. The roles of lactococcal proteins homologous to RepB287 have not been defined so far. Nevertheless, the structural organization of the pUCL287 replication region is remarkably similar to those of well known theta-replicating lactococcal plasmids despite the absence of homology of the replication origin and of the replication protein, and this suggests that pUCL287 uses the same mechanism of replication. Nucleotide sequence comparisons show that pSMB74, a pediococcal plasmid encoding bacteriocin production, is a member of the pUCL287 replicon family.     

Molecular analysis of the replication region of the theta-replicating plasmid pUCL287 from Tetragenococcus ( Pediococcus ) halophilus ATCC33315

The complete nucleotide sequence of the 8.7-kb theta-replicating plasmid pUCL287 from Tetragenococcus halophilus (formerly Pediococcus halophilus) ATCC33315 has been determined. The replication region was identified and analyzed. Its nucleotide sequence contains an untranslated region, the replication origin, followed by two open reading frames (ORFs) encoding two proteins of 311 (RepA287) and 168 (RepB287) amino acids, respectively. Evidence is presented to show that RepA287 represents the plasmid replication protein. RepB287, which is non-essential for replication, is involved in the plasmid copy-number control and segregational stability. The roles of lactococcal proteins homologous to RepB287 have not been defined so far. Nevertheless, the structural organization of the pUCL287 replication region is remarkably similar to those of well known theta-replicating lactococcal plasmids despite the absence of homology of the replication origin and of the replication protein, and this suggests that pUCL287 uses the same mechanism of replication. Nucleotide sequence comparisons show that pSMB74, a pediococcal plasmid encoding bacteriocin production, is a member of the pUCL287 replicon family. Received: 22 May 1996 / Accepted: 11 April 1997     

Roles of Ruva, Ruvc and Recg Gene Functions in Normal and DNA Damage-Inducible Replication of the Escherichia Coli Chromosome

Induction of the SOS response in Escherichia coli activates normally repressed DNA replication which is termed inducible stable DNA replication (iSDR). We previously demonstrated that initiation of iSDR requires the products of genes, such as recA, recB and recC, that are involved in the early stages of homologous recombination. By measuring the copy number increase of the origin (oriM1) region on the chromosome, we show, in this study, that initiation of iSDR is stimulated by mutations in the ruvA, ruvC and recG genes which are involved in the late stages of homologous recombination. Continuation of iSDR, on the other hand, is inhibited by these mutations. The results suggest that Holliday recombination intermediates, left on the chromosome due to abortive recombination, arrest replication fork movement. Low levels of iSDR and sfiA (sulA) gene expression were also observed in exponentially growing ruvA, ruvC and recG mutants, suggesting that the SOS response is chronically induced in these mutants. We propose that replication forks are arrested in these mutants, albeit at a low frequency, even under the normal (uninduced) conditions.     

Construction and characterization of a Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae strain designed to assess horizontal gene transfer in the environment

Abstract An integration vector was developed which inserts cloned DNA in a non-essential site of the Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae chromosome. The expression of integrated genes is under the control of the constitutive neomycin phosphotransferase II ( npt II) promotor of transposon Tn5. The design of the vector ensures that loss of vector sequences can be detected, enabling selection of progeny containing only the requisite DNA. The newly constructed vector was employed to insert the Escherichia coli gusA gene conferring GUS activity into R. leguminosarum bv. viciae strain LRS39401 which is cured of its symbiotic plasmid (pSym). One GUS-positive transconjugant, strain CT0370, was shown to have lost all vector sequences. Conjugal transfer of pSym2004 (a Tn5-tagged derivative of symbiotic plasmid pRL1JI, which specifies pea nodulation and symbiotic nitrogen fixation) to CT0370, restored the GUS-positive strain's symbiotic proficiency. Strain CT0370 is presently being used in a field release experiment in order to assess the extent of pSym transfer in a natural R. leguminosarum bv. viciae population under environmental conditions.     

Plasmid RSF1010 DNA replication in vitro promoted by purified RSF1010 RepA, RepB and RepC proteins.

We have constructed and analyzed an in vitro system that will efficiently replicate plasmid RSF1010 and its derivatives. The system contains a partially purified extract from E.coli cells and three purified RSF1010-encoded proteins, the products of genes repA, repB (or mobA/repB), and repC. Replication in this system mimics the in vivo mechanism in that it (i) is initiated at oriV, the origin of vegetative DNA replication, (ii) proceeds in a population of plasmid molecules in both directions from this 396-base-pair origin region, and (iii) is absolutely dependent on the presence of each of the three rep gene products. In addition, we find that E.coli DNA gyrase, DnaZ protein (gamma subunit of poIIII holoenzyme) and SSB are required for in vitro plasmid synthesis. The bacterial RNA polymerase, the initiation protein DnaA, and the primosomal proteins DnaB, DnaC, DnaG and DnaT are not required. Furthermore, the replicative intermediates seen in the electron microscope suggest that replication in vitro begins with the simultaneous or non-simultaneous formation of two displacement loops that expand for a short stretch of DNA toward each other, and form a theta-type structure when the two displacing strands pass each other.