Analysis of linear plasmids isolated from Streptomyces: association of protein with the ends of the plasmid DNA

Replicate Once Per Cell Cycle: Replication Control of Secondary Chromosomes

Faithful vertical transmission of genetic information, especially of essential core genes, is a prerequisite for bacterial survival. Hence, replication of all the replicons is tightly controlled to ensure that all daughter cells get the same genome copy as their mother cell. Essential core genes are very often carried by the main chromosome. However they can occasionally be found on secondary chromosomes, recently renamed chromids. Chromids have evolved from non-essential megaplasmids, and further acquired essential core genes and a genomic signature closed to that of the main chromosome. All chromids carry a plasmidic replication origin, belonging so far to either the iterons or repABC type. Based on these differences, two categories of chromids have been distinguished. In this review, we focus on the replication initiation controls of these two types of chromids. We show that the sophisticated mechanisms controlling their replication evolved from their plasmid counterparts to allow a timely controlled replication, occurring once per cell cycle.

If the cap fits, wear it: an overview of telomeric structures over evolution

Genome organization into linear chromosomes likely represents an important evolutionary innovation that has permitted the development of the sexual life cycle; this process has consequently advanced nuclear expansion and increased complexity of eukaryotic genomes. Chromosome linearity, however, poses a major challenge to the internal cellular machinery. The need to efficiently recognize and repair DNA double-strand breaks that occur as a consequence of DNA damage presents a constant threat to native chromosome ends known as telomeres. In this review, we present a comparative survey of various solutions to the end protection problem, maintaining an emphasis on DNA structure. This begins with telomeric structures derived from a subset of prokaryotes, mitochondria, and viruses, and will progress into the typical telomere structure exhibited by higher organisms containing TTAGG-like tandem sequences. We next examine non-canonical telomeres from Drosophila melanogaster, which comprise arrays of retrotransposons. Finally, we discuss telomeric structures in evolution and possible switches between canonical and non-canonical solutions to chromosome end protection.

The tra locus of streptomycete plasmid pIJ101 mediates efficient transfer of a circular but not a linear version of the same replicon

Conjugal transfer of circular plasmids in Streptomyces involves a unique mechanism employing few plasmid-encoded loci and the transfer of double-stranded DNA by an as yet uncharacterized intercellular route. Efficient transfer of the circular streptomycete plasmid pIJ101 requires only two plasmid loci: the pIJ101 tra gene, and as a cis-acting function known as clt. Here, we compared the ability of the pIJ101 transfer apparatus to promote conjugal transfer of circular versus linear versions of the same replicon. While the pIJ101 tra locus readily transferred the circular form of the replicon, the linear version was transferred orders of magnitude less efficiently and all plasmids isolated from the transconjugants were circular, regardless of their original configuration in the donor. Additionally, relatively rare circularization of linear plasmids was detectable in the donor cells, which is consistent with the notion that this event was a prerequisite for transfer by TraB(pIJ101). Linear versions of this same replicon did transfer efficiently, in that configuration, from strains containing the conjugative linear plasmid SLP2. Our data indicate that functions necessary and sufficient for transfer of circular DNA were insufficient for transfer of a related linear DNA molecule. The results here suggest that the conjugation mechanisms of linear versus circular DNA in Streptomyces spp. are inherently different and/or that efficient transfer of linear DNA requires additional components.

Identification of the determinant conferring permissive substrate usage in the telomere resolvase, ResT

Linear genome stability requires specialized telomere replication and protection mechanisms. A common solution to this problem in non-eukaryotes is the formation of hairpin telomeres by telomere resolvases (also known as protelomerases). These enzymes perform a two-step transesterification on replication intermediates to generate hairpin telomeres using an active site similar to that of tyrosine recombinases and type IB topoisomerases. Unlike phage telomere resolvases, the telomere resolvase from the Lyme disease pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi (ResT) is a permissive enzyme that resolves several types of telomere in vitro. However, the ResT region and residues mediating permissive substrate usage have not been identified. The relapsing fever Borrelia hermsii ResT exhibits a more restricted substrate usage pattern than B. burgdorferi ResT and cannot efficiently resolve a Type 2 telomere. In this study, we determined that all relapsing fever ResTs process Type 2 telomeres inefficiently. Using a library of chimeric and mutant B. hermsii/B. burgdorferi ResTs, we mapped the determinants in B. burgdorferi ResT conferring the ability to resolve multiple Type 2 telomeres. Type 2 telomere resolution was dependent on a single proline in the ResT catalytic region that was conserved in all Lyme disease but not relapsing fever ResTs and that is part of a 2-amino acid insertion absent from phage telomere resolvase sequences. The identification of a permissive substrate usage determinant explains the ability of B. burgdorferi ResT to process the 19 unique telomeres found in its segmented genome and will aid further studies on the structure and function of this essential enzyme.

An interlocked dimer of the protelomerase TelK distorts DNA structure for the formation of hairpin telomeres

The termini of linear chromosomes are protected by specialized DNA structures known as telomeres that also facilitate the complete replication of DNA ends. The simplest type of telomere is a covalently closed DNA hairpin structure found in linear chromosomes of prokaryotes and viruses. Bidirectional replication of a chromosome with hairpin telomeres produces a catenated circular dimer that is subsequently resolved into unit-length chromosomes by a dedicated DNA cleavage-rejoining enzyme known as a hairpin telomere resolvase (protelomerase). Here we report a crystal structure of the protelomerase TelK from Klebsiella oxytoca phage varphiKO2, in complex with the palindromic target DNA. The structure shows the TelK dimer destabilizes base pairing interactions to promote the refolding of cleaved DNA ends into two hairpin ends. We propose that the hairpinning reaction is made effectively irreversible by a unique protein-induced distortion of the DNA substrate that prevents religation of the cleaved DNA substrate.

Diversity of telomere palindromic sequences and replication genes among Streptomyces linear plasmids

Streptomyces sp. linear plasmids and linear chromosomes usually contain conserved terminal palindromic sequences bound by the conserved telomeric proteins Tap and Tp, encoded by the tap and tpg genes, respectively, as well as plasmid loci required for DNA replication in circular mode when the telomeres are deleted. These consist of iterons and an adjacent rep gene. By using PCR, we found that 8 of 17 newly detected linear plasmids in Streptomyces strains lack typical telomeric tap and tpg sequences. Instead, two novel telomeres in plasmids pRL1 and pRL2 from the eight strains and one conserved telomere in pFRL1 from the other strains were identified, while multiple short palindromes were also found in the plasmids. The complete nucleotide sequence of pRL2 revealed a gene encoding a protein containing two domains, resembling Tap of Streptomyces and a helicase of Thiobacillus, and an adjacent gene encoding a protein similar to Tpg of Streptomyces and a portion of the telomere terminal protein pTP of adenoviruses. No typical iterons-rep loci were found in the three plasmids. These results indicate an unexpected diversity of telomere palindromic sequences and replication genes among Streptomyces linear plasmids.

Characterization of the genetic components of Streptomyces lividans linear plasmid SLP2 for replication in circular and linear modes

The nucleotide sequence of Streptomyces lividans linear plasmid SLP2 consists of 50,410 bp (C. H. Huang, C. Y. Chen, H. H. Tsai, C. Chen, Y. S. Lin, and C. W. Chen, Mol. Microbiol. 47:1563-1576, 2003). Here we report that the basic SLP2 locus for plasmid replication in circular mode resembles that of Streptomyces linear plasmids pSLA2 and SCP1 and comprises iterons(SLP2) and the adjacent rep(SLP2) gene. More efficient replication additionally required the 47-bp sequence between bp 581 and 628 upstream of the iterons. Replacement of either the iterons or the rep gene of SLP2 by the corresponding genes of pSLA2 or SCP1 still allows propagation in Streptomyces, although the transformation frequencies were 3 orders of magnitude lower than the original plasmids, suggesting that these plasmids share similar replication mechanisms. To replicate SLP2 in linear mode, additional SLP2 loci--either mtap(SLP2)/tpg(SLP2) or mtap(SLP2)/ilrA(SLP2)--were required. IlrA(SLP2) protein binds specifically to the iterons(SLP2) in vitro. Interactions were detected between these SLP2-borne replication proteins (Mtap(SLP2), Tpg(SLP2), and IlrA(SLP2)) and the telomeric replication proteins (TpgL, TapL, and TpgL) of the S. lividans chromosome, respectively, but the SLP2 proteins failed to interact. These results suggest that SLP2 recruits chromosomally encoded replication proteins for its telomere replication.

Prediction and functional analysis of the replication origin of the linear plasmid pSCL2 inStreptomyces clavuligerus

pSCL2 (120 kb), one of the linear plasmids found in Streptomyces clavuligerus NRRL3585, was isolated and partially sequenced. Computational analysis of the central region of pSCL2 revealed the presence of two open reading frames that appear to encode proteins highly homologous to RepL1 and RepL2, replication proteins from pSLA2-L, the large linear plasmid in Streptomyces rochei. The S. clavuligerus open reading frames were designated repC1 and repC2, encoding the proteins RepC1 (150 amino acids) and RepC2 (102 amino acids), respectively. The RepC and RepL proteins have identical translation features and very similar predicted secondary and tertiary structures. Functional analysis confirmed that RepC1 is essential for replication initiation of pSCL2, whereas RepC2 is dispensable but may play a role in copy number control. The RepC and RepL proteins do not show similarity to any other bacterial plasmid replication proteins. Three regions of DNA sequence, Box 1 (1050–850 bp), Box 2 (723–606 bp), and Box 3 (224–168 bp), located upstream of repC1, were also shown to be essential or very important for replication of pSCL2.Key words: pSCL2, Streptomyces clavuligerus, replication origin.

Characterization of the Streptomyces lavendulae IMRU 3455 linear plasmid pSLV45

Streptomyces lavendulae IMRU 3455 contains two large linear plasmids designated pSLV45 (45 kb) and pSLV195 (195 kb). A cosmid, pSPRX604, containing 42 kb from pSLV45 was cloned and sequenced. pSLV45 was tagged with a hygromycin-resistance marker by homologous recombination to generate the derivatives pSLV45.680 and pSLV45.681. An apramycin-resistance marker was introduced into S. lavendulae IMRU 467 using the pSPR910 integration vector to yield the recipient strain SPW910. The self-transmissible nature of pSLV45 was determined by transfer of pSLV45.680 and pSLV45.681 from the donor strains SPW680 and SPW681 into the recipient strain SPW910. Southern analysis indicated the presence of hygromycin- and pSLV45-hybridizing sequences within SPW910 exconjugants. PFGE analysis confirmed pSLV45.680 and pSLV45.681 were transferred intact and formed freely replicating linear plasmids. Sequence analysis of pSPRX604 revealed genes predicted to be involved in plasmid transfer, partitioning and regulation. The transfer of the linear plasmid pSLV45 from S. lavendulae IMRU 3455 into S. lavendulae IMRU 467 may allow the development of pSLV45 as an actinomycete-to-actinomycete conjugative shuttle vector.

Identification and characterization of a pSLA2 plasmid locus required for linear DNA replication and circular plasmid stable inheritance in Streptomyces lividans

Streptomyces linear plasmids and linear chromosomes can replicate also in a circular form when their telomeres are deleted. The 17-kb linear plasmid pSLA2 has been a useful model in studies of such replicons. Here we report that the minimal origin initiating replication of pSLA2-derived plasmids as circular molecules cannot propagate these plasmids in a linear mode unless they also contain a novel plasmid-encoded locus, here named rlrA (required for linear replication). In contrast with the need for rlrA to accomplish replication of telomere-containing linear plasmids, expression of rlrA, which encodes two LuxR family regulatory domains, interferes with the establishment of pSLA2 in circular form in Streptomyces lividans transformants. The additional presence of an adjacent divergently transcribed locus, rorA (rlrA override), which strongly resembles the kor (kil override) transcription control genes identified previously on Streptomyces plasmids, reversed the detrimental effects of rlrA on plasmid establishment and additionally stabilized circular plasmid inheritance by spores during the S. lividans life cycle. While the effects of the rlrA/rorA locus of pSLA2 were seen also on linear plasmids derived from the unrelated SLP2 replicon, they did not extend to plasmids whose replication was initiated at a cloned chromosomal origin. Our results establish the existence of, and provide the initial description of, a novel plasmid-borne regulatory system that differentially affects the propagation of linear and circular plasmids in Streptomyces.

Interstrain inhibition in the sweet potato pathogen Streptomyces ipomoeae: purification and characterization of a highly specific bacteriocin and cloning of its structural gene

Strains of the sweet potato soil rot pathogen Streptomyces ipomoeae had previously been divided into three groups based on their ability to inhibit one another during pairwise cocultivation. While group I strains are not antagonistic to members of the other groups, group II and group III strains produce separate substances that are inhibitory to strains outside their respective cognate groups. Here, we purified the group III inhibitory substance from the culture supernatant of a representative strain and found that it consists of a single 10-kDa cationic protein which is bacteriolytic for S. ipomoeae group I and II strains but which showed no inhibitory function against other streptomycetes or other bacterial genera tested. The structural gene for the inhibitor was cloned from a chromosomal library of the producing strain, and while the gene sequence revealed that the inhibitor is initially made in a larger precursor form, the deduced mature protein showed no significant homology to other known proteins. Our results demonstrate that S. ipomoeae group III inhibitory activity is manifested in the form of a highly specific, potentially novel bacteriocin, which we have designated ipomicin.

Recruitment of terminal protein to the ends of Streptomyces linear plasmids and chromosomes by a novel telomere-binding protein essential for linear DNA replication

Bidirectional replication of Streptomyces linear plasmids and chromosomes from a central origin produces unpaired 3'-leading-strand overhangs at the telomeres of replication intermediates. Filling in of these overhangs leaves a terminal protein attached covalently to the 5' DNA ends of mature replicons. We report here the essential role of a novel 80-kD DNA-binding protein (telomere-associated protein, Tap) in this process. Biochemical studies, yeast two-hybrid analysis, and immunoprecipitation/immunodepletion experiments indicate that Tap binds tightly to specific sequences in 3' overhangs and also interacts with Tpg, bringing Tpg to telomere termini. Using DNA microarrays to analyze the chromosomes of tap mutant bacteria, we demonstrate that survivors of Tap ablation undergo telomere deletion, chromosome circularization, and amplification of subtelomeric DNA. Microarray-based chromosome mapping at single-ORF resolution revealed common endpoints for independent deletions, identified amplified chromosomal ORFs adjacent to these endpoints, and quantified the copy number of these ORFs. Sequence analysis confirmed chromosome circularization and revealed the insertion of adventitious DNA between joined chromosome ends. Our results show that Tap is required for linear DNA replication in Streptomyces and suggest that it functions to recruit and position Tpg at the telomeres of replication intermediates. They also identify hotspots for the telomeric deletions and subtelomeric DNA amplifications that accompany chromosome circularization.

Survival mechanisms for Streptomyces linear replicons after telomere damage

The ability of linear replicons to propagate their DNA after telomere damage is essential for perpetuation of the genetic information they carry. We introduced deletions at specific locations within telomeres of streptomycete linear plasmids and investigated mechanisms that enable survival. Here, we report that rescue of such plasmids in Streptomyces lividans occurs by three distinct types of events: (i) repair of the damaged telomere by homologous recombination; (ii) circularization of the plasmid by non-homologous end-to-end joining; and (iii) formation of long palindromic linear plasmids that duplicate the intact telomere by a non-recombinational process. The relative frequency of use of these survival mechanisms depended on the location and length of the telomeric DNA deletion. Repair by intermolecular recombination between the telomeres of chromosomes and plasmids, deletion of additional DNA during plasmid circularization, and insertion of chromosomal DNA fragments into plasmids during end-to-end joining were observed. Our results show that damage to telomeres of Streptomyces linear replicons can promote major structural transformations in these replicons as well as genetic exchange between chromosomes and extrachromosomal DNA. Our findings also suggest that spontaneous circularization of linear Streptomyces chromosomes may be a biological response to instances of telomere damage that cannot be repaired by homologous recombination.

A linear plasmid temperature-sensitive for replication in Streptomyces hygroscopicus 10-22

Streptomyces hygroscopicus 10-22 harbors a conjugative, autonomously replicating linear plasmid pHZ6 of ca. 70 kb, which shows no obvious homology with chromosomal DNA and is temperature-sensitive for replication, being stable in the host at 28 degrees C but easily lost at 37 degrees C. On a lawn of the wild-type S. hygroscopicus 10-22 cured of pHZ6, pHZ6 elicit pocks. Temperature sensitivity seemed to be a unique property for pHZ6 among six linear plasmids tested, including the well-known linear plasmids SLP2 in Streptomyces lividans 1326 and SCP1 in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2). The distinct identity of pHZ6 from previously identified pHZ1-pHZ5 was demonstrated by the profile of relevant plasmids in six well-defined strains originated from S. hygroscopicus 10-22.

Terminal proteins essential for the replication of linear plasmids and chromosomes in Streptomyces

Linear plasmids and chromosomes of the bacterial genus Streptomyces have proteins of unknown characteristics and function linked covalently to their 5' DNA termini. We purified protein attached to the end of the pSLA2 linear plasmid of Streptomyces rochei, determined the N-terminal amino acid sequence, and used this information to clone corresponding genes from a S. rochei cosmid library. Three separate terminal protein genes (here designated as tpgR1, tpgR2, and tpgR3), which map to the S. rochei chromosome and to 100-kb and 206-kb linear plasmids contained in S. rochei, were isolated and found to encode a family of similar but distinct 21-kD proteins. Using tpgR1 to probe a genomic DNA library of Streptomyces lividans ZX7, whose linear chromosome can undergo transition to a circular form, we isolated a S. lividans chromosomal gene (tpgL) that we found specifies a protein closely related to, and functionally interchangeable with, TpgR proteins for pSLA2 maintenance in S. lividans. Mutation of tpgL precluded propagation of the pSLA2 plasmid in a linear form and also prevented propagation of S. lividans cells that contain linear, but not circular, chromosomes, indicating a specific and essential role for tpg genes in linear DNA replication. Surprisingly, Tpg proteins were observed to contain a reverse transcriptase-like domain rather than sequences in common with proteins that attach covalently to the termini of linear DNA replicons.

Characterization of the 450-kb linear plasmid in a polychlorinated biphenyl degrader, Rhodococcus sp. strain RHA1

A strong polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) degrader, Rhodococcus sp. strain RHA1, has diverse biphenyl/PCB degradative genes and harbors huge linear plasmids, including pRHL1 (1,100 kb), pRHL2 (450 kb), and pRHL3 (330 kb). The diverse degradative genes are distributed mainly on the pRHL1 and pRHL2 plasmids. In this study, the structural and functional characteristics of pRHL2 were determined. We constructed a physical map of pRHL2, and the degradative enzyme genes, including bphB2, etbD2, etbC, bphDEF, bphC2, and bphC4, were localized in three regions. Conjugal transfer of pRHL2 between RHA1 mutant derivatives was observed at a frequency of 7.5 x 10(-5) transconjugant per recipient. These results suggested that the linear plasmid is a possible determinant of propagation of the diverse degradative genes in rhodococci. The termini of pRHL2 were cloned and sequenced. The left and right termini of pRHL2 had 3-bp perfect terminal inverted repeats and were not as similar to each other (64% identity) as the known actinomycete linear replicons are. Southern hybridization analysis with pRHL2 terminal probes suggested that the right terminus of pRHL2 is similar to pRHL1 and pRHL3 termini. Retardation of both terminal fragments in the gel shift assay indicated that each terminus of pRHL2 is linked to a protein. We suggest that pRHL2 has invertron termini, as has been reported previously for Streptomyces linear replicons.

Long palindromes formed in Streptomyces by nonrecombinational intra-strand annealing

Long inverted repeats (palindromes) are ubiquitous among prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. Earlier work has implicated both DNA breaks and short inverted repeats (IRs) in the formation of long palindromes in yeast and Tetrahymena by a proposed mechanism of intramolecular recombination. Here we report that long-palindromic linear plasmids are formed in Streptomyces following double strand DNA breakage by a nonrecombinational intra-strand annealing process that also involves IRs. By modification of palindrome-generating linear plasmids and development of a novel procedure that enables the sequencing of palindrome junctions, we show that long-palindrome formation occurs by unimolecular intra-strand annealing of IRs followed by 3′ extension of the resulting DNA fold-back. The consequent hairpin structures serve as templates for synthesis of duplex linear plasmids containing long palindromes. We suggest that this model for long-palindrome formation in Streptomyces may represent a generally applicable mechanism for generating DNA palindromes.

Mycobacterial linear plasmids have an invertron-like structure related to other linear replicons in actinomycetes

The authors previously identified large plasmids in Mycobacterium xenopi, M. branderi and M. celatum which appeared to have a linear topology. This study has confirmed the presence of such linear plasmids in mycobacteria, including M. avium, and demonstrated that the ends of these replicons are covalently bound with protein(s), suggesting an invertron-like structure. The termini of one 25 kb plasmid, designated pCLP, from M. celatum were cloned and the first 500 bp of each terminus were sequenced. The termini of this plasmid show the characteristic features of invertrons with terminal inverted repeats of 45 bp (with imperfect matches) and several palindromic sequences. Moreover, similarity existed in the structure and terminal nucleotide sequence of pCLP and the termini of linear replicons of Streptomyces and Rhodococcus species, indicating a conservation of these linear extrachromosomal elements within the Actinomycetales.

Replication at the telomeres of the Streptomyces linear plasmid pSLA2

The Streptomyces linear plasmid pSLA2 initiates DNA replication bidirectionally towards its telomeres from a site located near the centre of the molecule; at the telomeres, the recessed ends of lagging strands are filled in by non-displacing DNA synthesis. Here, we report experiments that test three proposed mechanisms for lagging-strand fill-in. We present data inconsistent with recombinational or terminal hairpin models for the formation of full-length duplex pSLA2 DNA. Instead, we find that deletions in short, distantly separated homologous palindromes in the leading-strand 3' overhang prevent propagation of linear pSLA2 DNA, implicating a mechanism of palindrome-mediated leading-strand fold-back in telomere replication. We further show that circularized pSLA2 DNA molecules are opened in vivo precisely at the terminal nucleotides of telomeres, generating functional linear replicons containing native telomeres covalently bound to a protein at their 5' DNA termini. Together, our results support a model in which pairing of multiple widely separated pSLA2 palindromes anchors the 3' end of the leading-strand overhang to a site near the overhang's base -- providing a recognition site for terminal-protein-primed DNA synthesis and subsequent endonucleolytic processing. Thus, the replication of Streptomyces plasmid telomeres may have features in common with the mechanism proposed for telomere replication in autonomous parvoviruses.

The terminal structures of linear plasmids from Rhodococcus opacus

The telomers of several linear plasmids of Rhodococcus opacus (formerly Nocardia opaca) were studied. The plasmids pHG201, pHG204 and pHG205 carry proteins bound to their ends, as shown by gel retardation experiments. A sequence hybridizing with the terminal sequence of pHG207, a recombinant linear plasmid consisting of the left part of pHG204 and the right part of pHG205, which was analysed in a previous study by the authors, could be detected in all linear plasmids of the wild-type R. opacus strains MR11 and MR22. However, only pHG204 and pHG206 carry terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) like pHG207. Cloning and sequencing of the terminal fragment of pHG204 revealed a nearly perfect TIR of 1016 bp. In contrast, the termini of pHG201 and pHG205 share little homology. Sequence analysis of the two end fragments of pHG201 revealed a similarity of only 65% within the terminal 34/32 bp and a perfect TIR of only 3 bp. The results support the assumption that long TIRs are not absolutely necessary for replication and maintenance of linear plasmids.

Two small linear plasmids of Streptomyces jumonjinensis

In a survey of plasmids in a variety of β-lactam antibiotic producing Streptomyces spp., two small linear plasmids (pSJL1 and pSJL2) of approximately 12 and 17.5 kb were detected within Streptomyces jumonjinensis NRRL 5741, in addition to the previously reported giant linear plasmids pSJL3 and pSJL4. Characterization of these plasmids by Southern hybridization indicated that no significant homology exists between the S. jumonjinensis plasmids and plasmids detected in other β-lactam antibiotic producing Streptomyces spp. Single and double restriction endonuclease digestions were performed to generate maps of the two plasmids. The plasmids pSJL1 and pSJL2 have copy numbers of 21–27 and 15–20, respectively.Key words: Streptomyces, linear plasmid, DNA hybridization, DNA homology.

Bidirectional replication from an internal origin in a linear streptomyces plasmid

Commonly, linear replicons that have protein covalently attached to 5' DNA termini replicate by protein-primed, strand-displacing, continuous synthesis of full-length strands. The synthesis of DNA in pSLA2, a 17-kilobase linear plasmid of Streptomyces rochei containing 5' terminal protein, occurs bidirectionally from an internally located replication origin. The replication intermediates are linear duplex molecules that have recessed (approximately 280 nucleotides) 5' ends rather than full-length single strands. The 3' over-hangs may serve as templates for the non-displacing synthesis of the lagging strand terminus primed by the covalently attached 5' DNA binding protein.

The linear Streptomyces plasmid pBL1: analyses of transfer functions

pBL1 is a conjugative linear extrachromosomal element of 43 kb previously isolated after interspecific mating between Streptomyces bambergiensis and S. lividans. Cloning experiments using the non-conjugative, circular Streptomyces vector pIJ702 allowed the identification of a 5.74 kb region from pBL1 which facilitates plasmid transfer. Insertion and deletion mutagenesis, gene disruptions, and sequence data suggest that at least five previously unknown genes of pBL1 are required for efficient plasmid transfer and its regulation.

Characterization of the terminal inverted repeats and their neighboring tandem repeats in the Chlorella CVK1 virus genome

A unique group of large icosahedral viruses that infect a unicellular green alga (Chlorella sp. NC64A) were isolated from freshwater sources in Japan. These viruses contain a linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome with hairpin ends. A physical map was constructed for the genomic DNA of CVK1 (Chlorella virus isolated in Kyoto, no. 1) by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of restriction fragments. The nucleotide sequences around both termini of the CVK1 DNA revealed the presence of inverted terminal repeats (ITR) of approximately 1.0 kb. Adjacent to the ITR, unique sequence elements of 10 to 20 bp were directly repeated 20 to 30 times in tandem array. Several copies of these repeat elements were deleted in virus mutants that were occasionally generated from Chlorella cells that were in a putative CVK1 carrier state. These repeats might represent a hot spot of rearrangement in the CVK1 genome.

Characterization of a linear extrachromosomal DNA element (pBL1) isolated after interspecific mating between Streptomyces bambergiensis and S. lividans

Streptomyces bambergiensis S712 harbours a giant linear plasmid PSB1 of 640 kb. After mating with the plasmidless S. lividans strain TK64, conjugants carrying a smaller extrachromosomal DNA element, pBL1, were identified. pBL1 is a 43-kb linear DNA molecule bound to a protein which protects it from attack by both 3'- and 5'-exonucleases. The absence of this protein drastically reduces the transforming efficiency of pBL1. pBL1 shares homology with linear plasmids and chromosomal DNA from S. bambergiensis strains.

Reconstruction of a Streptomyces linear replicon from separately cloned DNA fragments: existence of a cryptic origin of circular replication within the linear plasmid

We report here the reconstruction of a functional linear replicon, the 12-kilobase Streptomyces clavuligerus plasmid pSCL, from separate DNA fragments cloned in Escherichia coli on the pUC19 plasmid. Protein-free DNA molecules containing the full-length pSCL sequence, an internally inserted thiostrepton-resistance gene, and adventitious nucleotides external to the pSCL termini were introduced into Streptomyces lividans, where the synthesis and functional attachment of replication proteins occurred and pSCL was established as an extrachromosomal linear replicon. Transformation of S. lividans with uncut supercoilded pUC19/pSCL DNA from E. coli or with a circularized 8-kilobase internal fragment of pSCL yielded circular replicons, indicating the existence of a cryptic origin of circular replication within the linear plasmid. Insertion mutations at sites that prevented the replication of pSCL linear plasmids also interfered with its replication in the circular mode.

Integration of SCP1, a giant linear plasmid, into the Streptomyces coelicolor chromosome

SCP1, coding for the methylenomycin biosynthetic genes in Streptomyces coelicolor, is a giant linear plasmid of 350 kb. Extensive physical characterization revealed that SCP1 has unusually long terminal inverted repeats (TIR) of about 80 kb on both ends and an insertion sequence, IS466, at the end of the right TIR (TIR-R), and the 5'-ends are attached to a terminal protein. In the NF strain S. coelicolor 2612, SCP1 is integrated into the chromosome at the 9-o'clock position. Analysis of the two junctions between the SCP1 DNA and the chromosomal DNA revealed that the left junction had an almost intact left terminus of SCP1, while the right junction was composed of IS466, completely deleting TIR-R. Based on these results, we presented a possible formation mechanism of the NF strain, which is characterized by integration of SCP1 into the chromosome via an interaction of the target site and the combined ends of the racket-frame structure of SCP1 followed by deletion of TIR-R. We also hypothesized that this type of integration of a giant linear plasmid might be involved in the origin and distribution of the chromosomal antibiotic biosynthetic gene clusters in microorganisms.

Physical and genetic characterization of linear DNA plasmids from the heterothallic yeast Saccharomycopsis crataegensis

Five strains of the heterothallic yeast Saccharomycopsis crataegensis have been previously shown to contain DNA and/or RNA plasmidlike molecules (Shepherd et al. 1987). Three DNA plasmids, designated pScrl-1, -2 and -3, were found in strain NRRL Y-5902, while two were identified in each of NRRL strains Y-5903 and Y-5904. DNA plasmids were not identified in S. crataegensis strains Y-5910 or YB-192. Four S. crataegensis strains (Y-5903, Y-5904, Y-5910 and YB-192) were also shown to possess double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules not found in strain Y-5902 (Shepherd et al. 1987). Hybridization studies now demonstrate the DNA plasmids in Y-5903 and Y-5904 to be highly homologous to their respective size counterparts (pScrl-1 and pScrl-2) in Y-5902 and to show some homology to pScrl-3. Restriction endonuclease mapping studies confirm the linear nature of each plasmid and establish identical restriction maps for a 1.4 kilobase (kb) region in pScrl-2 and -3. This 1.4 kb region accounts for the hybridization homology of pScrl-2 and pScrl-3 noted by Shepherd et al. (1987) and for homology of the plasmids of Y-5903 and Y-5904 to pScrl-3 of Y-5902. The pScrl plasmids show no homology to the dsRNA molecules of S. crataegensis, the 2 microM circular DNA of Staccharomyces cerevisiae, the 'killer' plasmids of Kluyveromyces lactis, or the linear DNA plasmids of Pichia inositovora. In crosses between linear DNA plasmid-containing and dsRNA-containing strains, only progeny containing the pScrl plasmids were recovered. Poor spore viability and a lack of complete tetrad recovery limited the extent of the analysis, but the findings suggest a cytoplasmic mode of inheritance for these linear DNAs.

Independence of bacteriophage N15 lytic and linear plasmid replication from the heat shock proteins DnaJ, DnaK, and GrpE

The chromosome of the temperate bacteriophage N15 replicates as a linear plasmid with covalently closed ends (or hairpins) when it forms a lysogen. I found that, in contrast to the cases for lambda and the low-copy-number plasmids F and P1, both phage and plasmid replication of N15 are independent of the heat shock proteins DnaJ, DnaK, and GrpE.

Physical characterization of SCP1, a giant linear plasmid from Streptomyces coelicolor

SCP1, coding for the methylenomycin biosynthesis genes in Streptomyces coelicolor, was shown to be a giant linear plasmid of 350 kb with a copy number of about four by analysis with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. A detailed physical map of SCP1 was constructed by extensive digestion with six restriction endonucleases, by DNA hybridization experiments, and finally by cloning experiments. SCP1 has unusually long terminal inverted repeats of 80 kb on both ends and an insertion sequence at the end of the right terminal inverted repeat. Analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis in agarose containing sodium dodecyl sulfate revealed that a protein is bound to the terminal 4.1-kb SpeI fragments derived from both ends of SCP1. Treatment with lambda exonuclease or exonuclease III and SpeI digestion also indicated that the 5' ends of SCP1 are attached to a protein.

Genetic instability in Streptomyces niveus plasmid pSN2: in vivo formation of deletion derivatives

A plasmid designated pSN2 (molecular size 32.0 kb) was isolated from the wild type of Streptomyces niveus ATCC 19793. To permit phenotypic identification of pSN2 the 1.9 kb BclI fragment was replaced in vitro by the 1.1 kb BclI fragment of pIJ702 carrying the thiostrepton resistance (tsr) gene to form the plasmid pSN3. pSN3 transforms S. lividans to thiostrepton resistance at high frequency and is stably maintained. However, when used to transform S. niveus pSN3 was unstable and produced a 5.5 kb thiostrepton resistant deletion derivative pLG5. pLG5 is also stable and expresses thiostrepton resistance in S. lividans but on transformation of S. niveus was unstable and produced a further thiostrepton resistant derivative, pLG10, of 6.5 kb. pLG5 and pLG10 like pSN3 transform S. lividans at high frequency and produce pocks. DNA hybridizations with a probe derived from pLG5 confirm that pLG5 is derived from DNA sequences present on pSN2 and pSN3.

Does Mycobacterium tuberculosis have plasmids?

Evidence of the presence of plasmids in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is lacking, whereas they are widespread in some other mycobacterial species. We examined, by agarose gel electrophoresis, a total of 197 clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis, mostly resistant to one or more antibiotics, and were able to detect bands of apparently extrachromosomal DNA at a low level in some isolates. These presumptive plasmids could not be isolated by CsCl/ethidium bromide gradient ultracentrifugation, and may consist of unusual forms of DNA. The possible existence of single stranded plasmid DNA is discussed.

Invertrons, a class of structurally and functionally related genetic elements that includes linear DNA plasmids, transposable elements, and genomes of adeno-type viruses

Invertrons are genetic elements composed of DNA with inverted terminal repeats at both ends, covalently bonded to terminal proteins involved in the initiation of DNA replication at both their 5' termini when they exist in the cytoplasm of their host in free form. They function as viruses, linear DNA plasmids, transposable elements, and sometimes combinations of two of these properties. They differ from retroviruses and related retro-type transposons which have direct repeats on both their genomic ends and exploit RNA intermediates for replication of their DNA. A model for replication and integration of invertrons is presented, as well as a model for transposition of transposable elements.

Linear plasmid DNAs of the plant pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani with unique terminal structures

Three linear DNA plasmids were found in isolate RI-64 of anastomosis group 4 (AG-4) of Rhizoctonia solani. These plasmids, designated pRS64-1, -2, and -3, possessed the same size of 2.7 kb. Restriction mapping and Southern hybridization analysis of pRS64-1, -2, and -3 revealed the presence of homologous regions at both termini. The plasmid DNAs were resistant to both 3'-exonuclease and 5'-exonuclease even after treatment with proteinase K or alkali. The length of both terminal fragments that were generated by restriction endonuclease digestion was doubled under the denaturation condition, indicating that the linear plasmid DNAs have hairpin loops at both termini. Southern blotting analysis of total DNA showed the presence of two types of dimeric forms of pRS64 DNA. One is a head-to-head dimer and the other is a tail-to-tail dimer. The role of these unique DNA structures in replication of the plasmids is discussed.

Two linear plasmid-like DNA elements simultaneously maintained in Pleurotus ostreatus

Two linear plasmid-like DNA elements, designated pLP01 and pLP02, have been isolated from a strain of Pleurotus ostreatus, an edible basidiomycete. pLP01 (10.0 kb) and pLP02 (9.4 kb) were found in mitochondrial preparations of the fungus and appear to have 5' ends blocked by association of a protein. Proteinase K cleavability of the 5'-terminal protein of pLP01 was higher than that of pLP02, indicating that the terminal proteins of both plasmid-like elements are distinct from one another. pLP01 and pLP02 were estimated to be present to the extent of 1-2 copies each per mitochondrial genome equivalent. The two plasmid-like elements had no homology between them and also were not homologous with the mitochondrial and nuclear genomic DNAs of the fungus.

Isolation and characterization of a linear DNA plasmid from Streptomyces clavuligerus

A linear DNA plasmid (pSCL) has been isolated from Streptomyces clavuligerus by a method employing high concentrations of protease. Rate-zonal sedimentation on sucrose gradients was used to purify the plasmid. The plasmid is 12 kb in length and appears to be linked to protein at its 5' termini. A restriction endonuclease map of the plasmid for ten enzymes has been determined. Evidence for terminally repeated sequences is provided by cross-hybridization analysis.

Structural and functional relationships between prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA polymerases

The Bacillus subtilis phage luminal diameter 29 DNA polymerase, involved in protein-primed viral DNA replication, was inhibited by phosphonoacetic acid (PAA), a known inhibitor of alpha-like DNA polymerases, by decreasing the rate of elongation. Three highly conserved regions of amino acid homology, found in several viral alpha-like DNA polymerases and in the luminal diameter 29 DNA polymerase, one of them proposed to be the PAA binding site, were also found in the T4 DNA polymerase. This prokaryotic enzyme was highly sensitive to the drugs aphidicolin and the nucleotide analogues butylanilino dATP (BuAdATP) and butylphenyl dGTP (BuPdGTP), known to be specific inhibitors of eukaryotic alpha-like DNA polymerases. Two potential DNA polymerases from the linear plasmid pGKL1 from yeast and the S1 mitochondrial DNA from maize have been identified, based on the fact that they contain the three conserved regions of amino acid homology. Comparison of DNA polymerases from prokaryotic and eukaryotic origin showed extensive amino acid homology in addition to highly conserved domains. These findings reflect evolutionary relationships between hypothetically unrelated DNA polymerases.