Cryptic plasmid pFNL10 from Francisella novicida-like F6168: The base of plasmid vectors for Francisella tularensis

Abstract The plasmid pFNL100 was created by ligation of Escherichia coli plasmid pBR328 and plasmid pFNL10 from Francisella novicida -like strain F6168. This plasmid was able to replicate and to express the genes for chloramphenicol and tetracycline resistance in both E. coli and F. tularensis . The origin of replication of pFNL10, needed for the replication of pFNL100 in F. tularensis , was mapped. A Sau 3A-deletion derivative of pFNL100, designated pFNL200, was constructed. This plasmid could replicate only in F. tularensis and was found to be stably inherited during cultivation both on solid medium and in liquid cultures.