Over-expression of xylulokinase in a xylose-metabolising recombinant strain of Zymomonas mobilis

The broad host range vector pBBR1MCS-2 has been evaluated as an expression vector for Zymomonas mobilis. The transformation efficiency of this vector was 2 x 10(3) CFU per mug of DNA in a recombinant strain of Z. mobilis ZM4/AcR containing the plasmid pZB5. Stable replication for this expression vector was demonstrated for 50 generations. This vector was used to study xylose metabolism in acetate resistant Z. mobilis ZM4/AcR (pZB5) by over-expression of xylulokinase (XK), as previous studies had suggested that XK could be the rate-limiting enzyme for such strains. Based on the above vector, a recombinant plasmid pJX1 harboring xylB (expressing XK) under control of a native Z. mobilis promotor Ppdc was constructed. When this plasmid was introduced into ZM4/AcR (pZB5) a 3-fold higher XK expression was found compared to the control strain. However, fermentation studies with ZM4/AcR (pZB5, pJX1) on xylose medium did not result in any increase in rate of growth or xylose metabolism, suggesting that XK expression was not rate-limiting for ZM4/AcR (pZB5) and related strains.     

Kinetic analysis of ethanol production by an acetate-resistant strain of recombinant Zymomonas mobilis

Zymomonas mobilis ZM4/Ac^R (pZB5), a mutant recombinant strain with increased acetate resistance, has been isolated following electroporation of Z. mobilis ZM4/Ac^R. This mutant strain showed enhanced kinetic characteristics in the presence of 12 g sodium acetate l^–1 at pH 5 in batch culture on 40 g glucose, 40 g xylose l^–1 medium when compared to ZM4 (pZB5). In continuous culture, there was evidence of increased maintenance energy requirements/uncoupling of metabolism for ZM4/Ac^R (pZB5) in the presence of sodium acetate; a result confirmed by analysis of the effect of acetate on other strains of Z. mobilis. Nomenclature m Cell maintenance energy coefficient (g g^–1 h^–1)Maximum overall specific growth rate (1 h^–1)Maximum specific ethanol production rate (g g^–1 h^–1)Maximum specific total sugar utilization rate (g g^–1 h^–1)Biomass yield per mole of ATP (g mole^–1 Ethanol yield on total sugars (g g^–1)Biomass yield on total sugars (g g^–1)True biomass yield on total sugars (g g^–1)     

DNA restriction-modification systems in the ethanologen, Zymomonas mobilis ZM4

To better understand the DNA restriction-modification (R-M) systems for more amenable strain development of the alternative industrial ethanologen, Zymomonas mobilis, three gene knockout mutants were constructed. The gene knockout mutants were tested for their DNA restriction activities by the determination of transformation efficiency using methylated and unmethylated foreign plasmid DNAs. Inactivation of a putative mrr gene encoded by ZMO0028 (zmrr) resulted in a 60-fold increase in the transformation efficiency when unmethylated plasmid DNA was used. This indicated that the putative mrr gene may serve as a type IV restriction-modification system in Z. mobilis ZM4. To assign the function of a putative type I DNA methyltransferase encoded by ZMO1933 (putative S subunit) and ZMO1934 (putative M subunit), the putative S subunit was inactivated. The gene inactivation of ZMO1933 resulted in a 30-fold increase in the transformation efficiency when methylated plasmid DNA was introduced, indicating that the putative S subunit possibly serves as a part of functional type I R-M system(s). Growth studies performed on the mutant strains indicate inactivation of the type I S subunit resulted in a lower maximum specific glucose consumption rate and biomass yield, while inactivation of the type IV Zmrr had the opposite effect, with an increase in the maximum specific growth rate and biomass yield.     

Electroporation-mediated transformation of Aeromonas hydrophila

A strain of Aeromonas hydrophila producing copolyesters of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyhexanoate, abbreviated as PHBHHx, was successfully transformed by electroporation. The plasmid used was a broad host range plasmid pBBR1MCS. Electroporation conditions were varied systemically to develop an electroporation protocol. The optimal yield of transformant was approximately 4x10(2) CFU/microg DNA at 12.5 kV/cm and 1000 Omega, resulting in a time constant of approximately 5 ms. The A. hydrophila transformants expressed plasmid-encoded resistance to chloromphenicol. Plasmid DNA in the A. hydrophila transformant was stably maintained. This is the first report of transformation of bacteria A. hydrophila.     

Transformation of Zymomonas mobilis by a hybrid plasmid

The transformation of Zymomonas mobilis by plasmid DNA was achieved using a modification of the CaCl₂ method for Escherichia coli. The highest frequency of transformation obtained was 5 × 10³ transformants/μg DNA. The success of the method depended upon the use of a plasmid which is a cointegrate between a Z. mobilis cryptic plasmid and an E. coli plasmid carrying two selectable drug resistance markers.     

运动发酵单胞菌ZM4、CP4菌株基因工程选择标记的研究

尽管质粒和选择标记的使用作为基因工程最基本的一环而为人们所熟知,但对一些特殊菌种（菌株）或研究很少的菌种（菌株）的基因工程操作来说,质粒和选择标记可能仍然是一个并未完全解决的问题,因而需要不断提高认识、不断改进。运动发酵单胞菌Zymomonasmobilis具有突出的产醇性能,但其多种内源质粒和多种抗性的特点,增加了其基因工程操作时质粒和选择标记选用的难度。本研究在测定四个抗生素即Ap、Cm、Te、Km对典型菌株ZM4、CP4的最低生长抑制浓度的基础上,初步确定了这两个菌株基因工程操作时的四个抗生素使用浓度依次分别为300、100、25、350μg／mL（ZM4）和500、100、25、250μg]mL（CP4）;并进一步通过穿梭载体pZB21、宽宿主载体pBBR1MCS-2和整合载体pBR328-ldhR—cml—ldhL的转化,初步分析和证明了这些选择标记和在相应抗生素浓度下的效果：首先,对每一个选择标记基因来说,前述抗生素浓度是适于携带此选择标记基因的质粒的转化筛选和相应转化子培养的;其次,在前述抗生素浓度下,综合筛选平板阳性率和转化效率、培养物菌体形态异常程度等指标,四个选择标记基因中,以Cm和Tc抗性标记基因效果最好,Km抗性标记基因居中,Ap抗性标记基因最差。这些结果为ZM4、CP4基因工程遗传改造用抗性标记基因、质粒、抗生素的选择及转化系统的完善奠定了基础。     

Transformation of Zymomonas mobilis with Plasmid DNA

A method for the transformation of Zymomonas mobilis with plasmid DNA was developed by using shuttle vectors, pZA31, pZA32 and pZA33, as a source of transforming DNA. Partial spheroplasts of Z. mobilis were prepared by growing cells in a hypertonic medium supplemented with a drug which inhibits the biosynthesis of bacterial cell walls, such as penicillin G and d-cycloserine. They were transformed with plasmid DNA in the presence of 15% polyethylene glycol 6,000, after treated with 100 mm CaCl₂. The frequency of transformation obtained was 10⁴ to 10⁵ transformants/μg of DNA for Z. mobilis IFO13756 (Z-6).     

Kinetic and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Xylose Metabolism by Recombinant Zymomonas mobilis ZM4(pZB5)

The specific rates of growth, substrate utilization, and ethanol production as well as yields of biomass and ethanol production on xylose for the recombinant Zymomonas mobilis ZM4(pZB5) were shown to be much less than those on glucose or glucose-xylose mixtures. Typical fermentations with ZM4(pZB5) growing on glucose-xylose mixtures followed two-phase growth kinetics with the initial uptakes of glucose and xylose being followed by slower growth and metabolic uncoupling on xylose after glucose depletion. The reductions in rates and yields from xylose metabolism were considered in the present investigation and may be due to a number of factors, including the following: (i) the increased metabolic burden from maintenance of plasmid-related functions, (ii) the production of by-products identified as xylitol, acetate, lactate, acetoin, and dihydroxyacetone by ¹³C-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography, (iii) growth inhibition due to xylitol by the putative inhibitory compound xylitol phosphate, and (iv) the less energized state of ZM4(pZB5). In vivo ³¹P-NMR studies have established that the levels of NTP and UDP sugars on xylose were less than those on glucose, and this energy limitation is likely to restrict the growth of the recombinant strain on xylose media.     

Efficient Electrotransformation System and Gene Targeting in Pyogenic Streptococci

Hemolytic streptococci are lacking in natural competence for uptake of DNA, and existing electrotransformation methods are still ineffective for most strains. By optimizing biological and electric parameters of electroporation, we established a simple, efficient, and reproducible transformation method for streptococcal cells. The major factor was an increase in the electric field strength. All tested streptococci (6 group A strains and one group C strain) were successfully transformed, and the maximal efficiency was higher than 1×10⁷ transformants per μg of plasmid DNA. Targeted inactivation of the chromosomal genes of group A and C streptococci was achieved, using the electrotransformation method. The slo ^- or sagB ^- mutants constructed by the gene-targeting showed elevated competence for electrotransformation. Availability of the electrotransfer system for cloning and analysis of streptococcal genes is discussed.     

Mathematical modelling of ethanol production from glucose/xylose mixtures by recombinant Zymomonas mobilis

A model has been developed for the fermentation of mixtures of glucose and xylose by recombinant Zymomonas mobilis strain ZM4(pZB5), containing additional genes for xylose assimilation and metabolism. A two-substrate model based on substrate limitation, substrate inhibition, and product (ethanol) inhibition was evaluated, and experimental data was compared with model simulations using a Microsoft EXCEL based program and methods of statistical analysis for error minimization. From the results it was established that the model provides good predictions of experimental batch culture data for 25/25, 50/50, and 65/65 g l^–1 glucose/xylose media.     

Electrotransformation ofStreptococcus sanguis Challis

Plasmid DNA was introduced into noncompetent cells ofStreptococcus sanguis Challis by an electrotransformation technique. The procedure was simple and rapid, did not require elaborate pretreatment of cells, and yielded transformant colonies in 24 h. The maximum transformation efficiency attained was 2.1×10⁴ transformants per g of pVA736. Molecular rearrangements and deletions were not detected in plasmid DNA isolated from transformants.     

山梨糖脱氢酶在乙酸钙不动杆菌中的表达

目的:在乙酸钙不动杆菌Y2004中表达山梨糖脱氢酶。方法:将酮古龙酸菌山梨糖脱氢酶基因sdh以及从pWH1266质粒上扩增的复制原点ori先后酶切连接到pBBR1MCS2质粒上,构建pBBR1MCS2-ori-sdh穿梭质粒;再以pBBR1MCS2-ori-sdh/DH5α为供体菌、乙酸钙不动杆菌Y2004为受体菌、pRK2013/HB101为辅助菌进行三亲本接合转移;从氨苄青霉素和卡那霉素双抗平板上挑取转化子进行培养,通过菌落PCR和提取质粒复转筛选阳性克隆,再通过活性电泳和体外糖酸转化实验检测阳性克隆的山梨糖脱氢酶活性。结果:构建了pBBRMCS2-ori-sdh质粒并转入乙酸钙不动杆菌Y2004中,活性电泳和体外实验证实阳性克隆具有山梨糖脱氢酶活性。结论:实现了山梨糖脱氢酶在乙酸钙不动杆菌Y2004中的表达,为单菌糖酸转化的进一步研究奠定了基础。     

Zymomonas mobilis CP4: a clarification of strains via plasmid profiles

There has been confusion regarding the nomenclature of cultures of Zymomonas mobilis CP4 (Gonçalves de Lima et al., 1970). Thus five cultures from different laboratories but originally received from a single source (Recife, Brazil) were compared by analysis of their plasmid profiles and the restriction digest patterns of the plasmids. Four cultures of Z. mobilis CP4 showed identical plasmid profiles and restriction digest patterns. One culture of CP4 (ZM4, ATCC 31821), cultured in P.L. Rogers' laboratory in Australia, and cultures derived from it and deposited in connection with recent patents, strain ZM401 (ATCC 31822) and strain ZM481 (ATCC 31823), differed from the first four cultures with respect to both plasmid profiles and restriction digest pattern. The reason for the plasmid differences between the two groups of cultures is unclear, but may have arisen in the original distribution, by natural selection while in continued culture or perhaps by selection of a minor strain in the original culture. In order to clarify the status of the two variant groups, the cultures that possess the same plasmid profile as the CP4 culture currently being distributed from the Recife culture collection are now designated CP4 (and derivatives). The cultures that possess the plasmid profile of the Rogers' CP4 (ZM4) are now designated by the Rogers' laboratory notation as ZM4 (and derivatives) and prior citation to CP4 removed from their nomenclature.     

Plasmid transformation of Ruminococcus albus by means of high-voltage electroporation

To apply recombinant DNA techniques to the genetic manipulation of cellulolytic ruminal bacteria, a plasmid vector transformation system must be available. The objective of this work was to develop a system for plasmid transformation of Ruminococcus albus. Using high voltage electrotransformation, pSC22 and pCK17 plasmid vectors, derived from lactic acid bacteria plasmids and replicating via single-stranded DNA intermediate, were successfully introduced into three freshly isolated R. albus strains and into R. albus type strain ATCC 27210. The optimization of the electrotransformation condition raised the electroporation efficiency up to 3 x 10(5) transformants per microgram of pSC22 plasmid.     

Electrotransformation of three pathovars of Xanthomonas campestris

Procedures for electrotransformation have been adapted for three pathovars of Xanthomonas campestris: campestris, vesicatoria and manihotis. Three differently sized plasmids (51, 9.3 and 3.3 kb) at different concentrations (10, 30 and 50 ng/sample) and different field strengths (10, 12, 14 and 18 kV/cm) were used. The efficiency of transformation was dependent on the recipient strain and the plasmid introduced. In general, a field strength of 14 kV/cm as well as a concentration of 30 ng plasmid DNA/sample seemed to be adequate for most conditions. Only X. campestris pv. vesicatoria strain 479 required a higher field strength for better efficiency. The plasmid size was inversely related to the efficiency of transformation; up to 1.6 × 10¹⁰, 5.3 × 10⁷ and 3.7 × 10⁵ transformants/g DNA were obtained using the pXG31 (3.3 kb), pUFR027 (9.3 kb) and RP4 (51 kb) plasmids, respectively.     

Isolation and preliminary characterization of a Zymomonas mobilis mutant with an altered preference for xylose and glucose utilization

The narrow substrate range of Zymomonas mobilis CP4 has been extended previously to include metabolism of the pentose sugar, xylose, by Zhang et al. (Science 267: 240–243). The strain CP4(pZB5) co-ferments both glucose and xylose in mixed sugar fermentations, however glucose is utilized preferentially. The present work reports the isolation of a new mutant from CP4(pZB5) which displays an altered carbon substrate preference. The mutant, CP4(pZB5) M1-2, metabolizes xylose more rapidly than glucose in mixed glucose/xylose media. Sequence data analysis revealed mutations in both the glucose facilitator (glf) and glucokinase (glk) genes.     

Electrotransformation of Clostridium thermocellum

Electrotransformation of several strains of Clostridium thermocellum was achieved using plasmid pIKm1 with selection based on resistance to erythromycin and lincomycin. A custom-built pulse generator was used to apply a square 10-ms pulse to an electrotransformation cuvette consisting of a modified centrifuge tube. Transformation was verified by recovery of the shuttle plasmid pIKm1 from presumptive transformants of C. thermocellum with subsequent PCR specific to the mls gene on the plasmid, as well as by retransformation of Escherichia coli. Optimization carried out with strain DSM 1313 increased transformation efficiencies from <1 to (2.2 ± 0.5) × 10⁵ transformants per μg of plasmid DNA. Factors conducive to achieving high transformation efficiencies included optimized periods of incubation both before and after electric pulse application, chilling during cell collection and washing, subculture in the presence of isoniacin prior to electric pulse application, a custom-built cuvette embedded in an ice block during pulse application, use of a high (25-kV/cm) field strength, and induction of the mls gene before plating the cells on selective medium. The protocol and preferred conditions developed for strain DSM 1313 resulted in transformation efficiencies of (5.0 ± 1.8) × 10⁴ transformants per μg of plasmid DNA for strain ATCC 27405 and ~1 × 10³ transformants per μg of plasmid DNA for strains DSM 4150 and 7072. Cell viability under optimal conditions was ~50% of that of controls not exposed to an electrical pulse. Dam methylation had a beneficial but modest (7-fold for strain ATCC 27405; 40-fold for strain DSM 1313) effect on transformation efficiency. The effect of isoniacin was also strain specific. The results reported here provide for the first time a gene transfer method functional in C. thermocellum that is suitable for molecular manipulations involving either the introduction of genes associated with foreign gene products or knockout of native genes.     

Transfecting pDNA to E. coli DH5α using bovine serum albumin nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle

We describe the formulation of bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (BSA‐NPs) by the coacervation method using surfactants. Plasmids (pUC18, pUC18egfp and pBBR1MCS‐2) isolated from E. coli were incorporated into the BSA matrix by incubating in albumin solution prior to formulation of NPs. Plasmid incorporation was calculated by % yield, entrapment efficiency, DNA loading capacity and release of entrapped DNA by comparing with blank NPs. BSA‐DNA binding studies were carried out by using fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The surface charge distribution of the NPs loaded with plasmid was calculated using zeta potential. The photoluminescence of BSA‐NPs was quenched when loaded with pDNA, confirming the interaction of DNA with BSA. Altogether, these results provide evidences for the excellent DNA carrying efficiency of BSA‐NPs without loss of plasmid's integrity. The NPs were used to transfect E. coli DH5α strain lacking ampicillin resistance. They, however, showed ampicillin resistance subsequent to transfection with plasmid encoding ampicillin resistance gene. Effect of transfection was confirmed by confocal microscopy and by the isolation of the plasmid by agarose gel electrophoresis from the transfected bacterial culture. This study clearly demonstrates the efficacy of BSA‐NPs as delivery vehicle for pDNA transfection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Improvement of transformation and electroduction in avermectin high-producer,<Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptomyces avermitilis</Emphasis>

Factors affecting the PEG-mediated transformation and electrotransformation of Streptomyces avermitilis protoplasts, an industrial avermectin high-producer, were evaluated. The maximum protoplast transformation efficiency under optimum conditions with PEG was 3 x 106 transformants per microg plasmid pIJ702 DNA. The efficiency of electrotransformation with the same plasmid the intact cells grown in medium with 0.5 mmol/L CaCl2, suspended in buffer with 0.5 mol/L sucrose +1 mmol/L MgCl2, and pulsed at an electric field strength of 10 kV/cm, 800 ohms, 25 microF, was of 2 x 10(3) transformants per microg DNA. When the cells were electroporated after mild lysozyme-treatment, the efficiency was up to 10(4) transformants per microg DNA. Electroporation of protoplasts and germlings had a lower efficiency (10(2) transformants per microg DNA). We report that electroporation under optimum conditions can be used for direct transfer of nonconjugative plasmid pIJ699 between two different Streptomyces species, S. avermitilis and S. lividans.     

High frequency transformation of Zymomonas mobilis by plasmid DNA

A rapid procedure that achieved high transformation frequencies of Zymomonas mobilis by a range of plasmids, was established. Using a hybrid plasmid, pNSW301, the highest frequency of transformation obtained was 1.8 × 10⁵ transformants per μg plasmid DNA. Transformation was also achieved, at high frequency, with a native Z. mobilis plasmid marked with a transposon, with large broad host range IncP-1 and IncW plasmids, and with small IncW cloning vectors.