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Ohdate K, Sakata M, Maeda K, Sakamaki Y, Nimura-Matsune K, Ohbayashi R, Hess WR, Watanabe S. Discovery of novel replication proteins for large plasmids in cyanobacteria and their potential applications in genetic engineering. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1311290. [PMID: 38419637 PMCID: PMC10899382 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1311290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous cyanobacteria capable of oxygenic photosynthesis possess multiple large plasmids exceeding 100 kbp in size. These plasmids are believed to have distinct replication and distribution mechanisms, as they coexist within cells without causing incompatibilities between plasmids. However, information on plasmid replication proteins (Rep) in cyanobacteria is limited. Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 hosts four large plasmids, pSYSM, pSYSX, pSYSA, and pSYSG, but Rep proteins for these plasmids, except for CyRepA1 on pSYSA, are unknown. Using Autonomous Replication sequencing (AR-seq), we identified two potential Rep genes in Synechocystis 6803, slr6031 and slr6090, both located on pSYSX. The corresponding Rep candidates, Slr6031 and Slr6090, share structural similarities with Rep-associated proteins of other bacteria and homologs were also identified in various cyanobacteria. We observed autonomous replication activity for Slr6031 and Slr6090 in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 by fusing their genes with a construct expressing GFP and introducing them via transformation. The slr6031/slr6090-containing plasmids exhibited lower copy numbers and instability in Synechococcus 7942 cells compared to the expression vector pYS. While recombination occurred in the case of slr6090, the engineered plasmid with slr6031 coexisted with plasmids encoding CyRepA1 or Slr6090 in Synechococcus 7942 cells, indicating the compatibility of Slr6031 and Slr6090 with CyRepA1. Based on these results, we designated Slr6031 and Slr6090 as CyRepX1 (Cyanobacterial Rep-related protein encoded on pSYSX) and CyRepX2, respectively, demonstrating that pSYSX is a plasmid with "two Reps in one plasmid." Furthermore, we determined the copy number and stability of plasmids with cyanobacterial Reps in Synechococcus 7942 and Synechocystis 6803 to elucidate their potential applications. The novel properties of CyRepX1 and 2, as revealed by this study, hold promise for the development of innovative genetic engineering tools in cyanobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuma Ohdate
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minori Sakata
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaisei Maeda
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yutaka Sakamaki
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaori Nimura-Matsune
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryudo Ohbayashi
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Wolfgang R. Hess
- Genetics and Experimental Bioinformatics Group, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Satoru Watanabe
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
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Blaine HC, Simmons LA, Stallings CL. Diverse Mechanisms of Helicase Loading during DNA Replication Initiation in Bacteria. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0048722. [PMID: 36877032 PMCID: PMC10128896 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00487-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Initiation of DNA replication is required for cell viability and passage of genetic information to the next generation. Studies in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis have established ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities (AAA+) as essential proteins required for loading of the replicative helicase at replication origins. AAA+ ATPases DnaC in E. coli and DnaI in B. subtilis have long been considered the paradigm for helicase loading during replication in bacteria. Recently, it has become increasingly clear that most bacteria lack DnaC/DnaI homologs. Instead, most bacteria express a protein homologous to the newly described DciA (dnaC/dnaI antecedent) protein. DciA is not an ATPase, and yet it serves as a helicase operator, providing a function analogous to that of DnaC and DnaI across diverse bacterial species. The recent discovery of DciA and of other alternative mechanisms of helicase loading in bacteria has changed our understanding of DNA replication initiation. In this review, we highlight recent discoveries, detailing what is currently known about the replicative helicase loading process across bacterial species, and we discuss the critical questions that remain to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen C. Blaine
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lyle A. Simmons
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Christina L. Stallings
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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Kohler V, Vaishampayan A, Grohmann E. Broad-host-range Inc18 plasmids: Occurrence, spread and transfer mechanisms. Plasmid 2018; 99:11-21. [PMID: 29932966 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Conjugative plasmid transfer is one of the major mechanisms responsible for the spread of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. The incompatibility (Inc) 18 group of plasmids is a family of plasmids replicating by the theta-mechanism, whose members have been detected frequently in enterococci and streptococci. Inc18 plasmids encode a variety of antibiotic resistances, including resistance to vancomycin, chloramphenicol and the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramine (MLS) group of antibiotics. These plasmids comprising insertions of Tn1546 were demonstrated to be responsible for the transfer of vancomycin resistance encoded by the vanA gene from vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) to methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Thereby vancomycin resistant S. aureus (VRSA) were generated, which are serious multi-resistant pathogens challenging the health care system. Inc18 plasmids are widespread in the clinic and frequently have been detected in the environment, especially in domestic animals and wastewater. pIP501 is one of the best-characterized conjugative Inc18 plasmids. It was originally isolated from a clinical Streptococcus agalactiae strain and is, due to its small size and simplicity, a model to study conjugative plasmid transfer in Gram-positive bacteria. Here, we report on the occurrence and spread of Inc18-type plasmids in the clinic and in different environments as well as on the exchange of the plasmids among them. In addition, we discuss molecular details on the transfer mechanism of Inc18 plasmids and its regulation, as exemplified by the model plasmid pIP501. We finish with an outlook on promising approaches on how to reduce the emerging spread of antibiotic resistances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Kohler
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Ankita Vaishampayan
- Life Sciences and Technology, Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin, D-13347 Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Grohmann
- Life Sciences and Technology, Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin, D-13347 Berlin, Germany.
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4
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Kwong SM, Ramsay JP, Jensen SO, Firth N. Replication of Staphylococcal Resistance Plasmids. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2279. [PMID: 29218034 PMCID: PMC5703833 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The currently widespread and increasing prevalence of resistant bacterial pathogens is a significant medical problem. In clinical strains of staphylococci, the genetic determinants that confer resistance to antimicrobial agents are often located on mobile elements, such as plasmids. Many of these resistance plasmids are capable of horizontal transmission to other bacteria in their surroundings, allowing extraordinarily rapid adaptation of bacterial populations. Once the resistance plasmids have been spread, they are often perpetually maintained in the new host, even in the absence of selective pressure. Plasmid persistence is accomplished by plasmid-encoded genetic systems that ensure efficient replication and segregational stability during cell division. Staphylococcal plasmids utilize proteins of evolutionarily diverse families to initiate replication from the plasmid origin of replication. Several distinctive plasmid copy number control mechanisms have been studied in detail and these appear conserved within plasmid classes. The initiators utilize various strategies and serve a multifunctional role in (i) recognition and processing of the cognate replication origin to an initiation active form and (ii) recruitment of host-encoded replication proteins that facilitate replisome assembly. Understanding the detailed molecular mechanisms that underpin plasmid replication may lead to novel approaches that could be used to reverse or slow the development of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Kwong
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joshua P Ramsay
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Slade O Jensen
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Mobile Elements Group, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Neville Firth
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Valero-Rello A, López-Sanz M, Quevedo-Olmos A, Sorokin A, Ayora S. Molecular Mechanisms That Contribute to Horizontal Transfer of Plasmids by the Bacteriophage SPP1. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1816. [PMID: 29018417 PMCID: PMC5615212 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural transformation and viral-mediated transduction are the main avenues of horizontal gene transfer in Firmicutes. Bacillus subtilis SPP1 is a generalized transducing bacteriophage. Using this lytic phage as a model, we have analyzed how viral replication and recombination systems contribute to the transfer of plasmid-borne antibiotic resistances. Phage SPP1 DNA replication relies on essential phage-encoded replisome organizer (G38P), helicase loader (G39P), hexameric replicative helicase (G40P), recombinase (G35P) and in less extent on the partially dispensable 5′→3′ exonuclease (G34.1P), the single-stranded DNA binding protein (G36P) and the Holliday junction resolvase (G44P). Correspondingly, the accumulation of linear concatemeric plasmid DNA, and the formation of transducing particles were blocked in the absence of G35P, G38P, G39P, and G40P, greatly reduced in the G34.1P, G36P mutants, and slightly reduced in G44P mutants. In contrast, establishment of injected linear plasmid DNA in the recipient host was independent of viral-encoded functions. DNA homology between SPP1 and the plasmid, rather than a viral packaging signal, enhanced the accumulation of packagable plasmid DNA. The transfer efficiency was also dependent on plasmid copy number, and rolling-circle plasmids were encapsidated at higher frequencies than theta-type replicating plasmids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Valero-Rello
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain.,Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Universite Paris-SaclayJouy-en-Josas, France
| | - María López-Sanz
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Quevedo-Olmos
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain
| | - Alexei Sorokin
- Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Universite Paris-SaclayJouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Silvia Ayora
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMadrid, Spain
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Abstract
Plasmids are selfish genetic elements that normally constitute a burden for the bacterial host cell. This burden is expected to favor plasmid loss. Therefore, plasmids have evolved mechanisms to control their replication and ensure their stable maintenance. Replication control can be either mediated by iterons or by antisense RNAs. Antisense RNAs work through a negative control circuit. They are constitutively synthesized and metabolically unstable. They act both as a measuring device and a regulator, and regulation occurs by inhibition. Increased plasmid copy numbers lead to increasing antisense-RNA concentrations, which, in turn, result in the inhibition of a function essential for replication. On the other hand, decreased plasmid copy numbers entail decreasing concentrations of the inhibiting antisense RNA, thereby increasing the replication frequency. Inhibition is achieved by a variety of mechanisms, which are discussed in detail. The most trivial case is the inhibition of translation of an essential replication initiator protein (Rep) by blockage of the rep-ribosome binding site. Alternatively, ribosome binding to a leader peptide mRNA whose translation is required for efficient Rep translation can be prevented by antisense-RNA binding. In 2004, translational attenuation was discovered. Antisense-RNA-mediated transcriptional attenuation is another mechanism that has, so far, only been detected in plasmids of Gram-positive bacteria. ColE1, a plasmid that does not need a plasmid-encoded replication initiator protein, uses the inhibition of primer formation. In other cases, antisense RNAs inhibit the formation of an activator pseudoknot that is required for efficient Rep translation.
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The Interplay between Different Stability Systems Contributes to Faithful Segregation: Streptococcus pyogenes pSM19035 as a Model. Microbiol Spectr 2016; 2:PLAS-0007-2013. [PMID: 26104212 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.plas-0007-2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Streptococcus pyogenes pSM19035 low-copy-number θ-replicating plasmid encodes five segregation (seg) loci that contribute to plasmid maintenance. These loci map outside of the minimal replicon. The segA locus comprises β2 recombinase and two six sites, and segC includes segA and also the γ topoisomerase and two ssiA sites. Recombinase β2 plays a role both in maximizing random segregation by resolving plasmid dimers (segA) and in catalyzing inversion between two inversely oriented six sites. segA, in concert with segC, facilitates replication fork pausing at ssiA sites and overcomes the accumulation of "toxic" replication intermediates. The segB1 locus encodes ω, ε, and ζ genes. The short-lived ε2 antitoxin and the long-lived ζ toxin form an inactive ζε2ζ complex. Free ζ toxin halts cell proliferation upon decay of the ε2 antitoxin and enhances survival. If ε2 expression is not recovered, by loss of the plasmid, the toxin raises lethality. The segB2 locus comprises δ and ω genes and six parS sites. Proteins δ2 and ω2, by forming complexes with parS and chromosomal DNA, pair the plasmid copies at the nucleoid, leading to the formation of a dynamic δ2 gradient that separates the plasmids to ensure roughly equal distribution to daughter cells at cell division. The segD locus, which comprises ω2 (or ω2 plus ω22) and parS sites, coordinates expression of genes that control copy number, better-than-random segregation, faithful partition, and antibiotic resistance. The interplay of the seg loci and with the rep locus facilitates almost absolute plasmid stability.
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8
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Genetic surgery in fungi: employing site-specific recombinases for genome manipulation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 98:1971-82. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-013-5480-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Locke JB, Rahawi S, Lamarre J, Mankin AS, Shaw KJ. Genetic environment and stability of cfr in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus CM05. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:332-40. [PMID: 22024827 PMCID: PMC3256036 DOI: 10.1128/aac.05420-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cfr methyltransferase confers resistance to many 50S ribosomal subunit-targeted antibiotics, including linezolid (LZD), via methylation of the 23S rRNA base A2503 in the peptidyl transferase center. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain CM05 is the first clinical isolate documented to carry cfr. While cfr is typically plasmid borne, in CM05 it is located on the chromosome and is coexpressed with ermB as part of the mlr operon. Here we evaluated the chromosomal locus, association with mobile genetic elements, and stability of the cfr insertion region in CM05. The cfr-containing mlr operon is located within a 15.5-kb plasmid-like insertion into 23S rRNA allele 4. The region surrounding the cfr gene has a high degree of sequence similarity to the broad-host-range toxin/antitoxin multidrug resistance plasmid pSM19035, including a second ermB gene downstream of the mlr locus and istAS-istBS. Analysis of several individual CM05 colonies revealed two distinct populations for which LZD MICs were either 8 or 2 μg/ml. In the LZD(s) colonies (designated CM05Δ), a recombination event involving the two ermB genes had occurred, resulting in the deletion of cfr and the 3' flanking region (cfr-istAS-istBS-ermB). The fitness advantage of CM05Δ over CM05 (though not likely due to the cfr deletion itself) results in the predominance of CM05Δ in the absence of selective pressure. Minicircles resulting from the ermB recombination event and the novel association of cfr with the pSM19035 plasmid system support the potential for the continued dissemination of cfr.
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Licht A, Freede P, Brantl S. Transcriptional repressor CopR acts by inhibiting RNA polymerase binding. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2011; 157:1000-1008. [PMID: 21252280 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.047209-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CopR is a transcriptional repressor encoded by the broad-host-range streptococcal plasmid pIP501, which also replicates in Bacillus subtilis. It acts in concert with the antisense RNA, RNAIII, to control pIP501 replication. CopR represses transcription of the essential repR mRNA about 10- to 20-fold. In previous work, DNA binding and dimerization constants were determined and the motifs responsible localized. The C terminus of CopR was shown to be required for stability. Furthermore, SELEX of the copR operator revealed that in vivo evolution was for maximal binding affinity. Here, we elucidate the repression mechanism of CopR. Competition assays showed that CopR-operator complexes are 18-fold less stable than RNA polymerase (RNAP)-pII complexes. DNase I footprinting revealed that the binding sites for CopR and RNAP overlap. Gel-shift assays demonstrated that CopR and B. subtilis RNAP cannot bind simultaneously, but compete for binding at promoter pII. Due to its higher intracellular concentration CopR inhibits RNAP binding. Additionally, KMnO(4) footprinting experiments indicated that prevention of open complex formation at pII does not further contribute to the repression effect of CopR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Licht
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Biologisch-Pharmazeutische Fakultät, AG Bakteriengenetik, Philosophenweg 12, Jena D-07743, Germany
| | - Peggy Freede
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Biologisch-Pharmazeutische Fakultät, AG Bakteriengenetik, Philosophenweg 12, Jena D-07743, Germany
| | - Sabine Brantl
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Biologisch-Pharmazeutische Fakultät, AG Bakteriengenetik, Philosophenweg 12, Jena D-07743, Germany
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Plasmid pSM19035, a model to study stable maintenance in Firmicutes. Plasmid 2010; 64:1-17. [PMID: 20403380 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2010.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2010] [Revised: 04/09/2010] [Accepted: 04/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
pSM19035 is a low-copy-number theta-replicating plasmid, which belongs to the Inc18 family. Plasmids of this family, which show a modular organization, are functional in evolutionarily diverse bacterial species of the Firmicutes Phylum. This review summarizes our understanding, accumulated during the last 20 years, on the genetics, biochemistry, cytology and physiology of the five pSM19035 segregation (seg) loci, which map outside of the minimal replicon. The segA locus plays a role both in maximizing plasmid random segregation, and in avoiding replication fork collapses in those plasmids with long inverted repeated regions. The segB1 locus, which acts as the ultimate determinant of plasmid maintenance, encodes a short-lived epsilon(2) antitoxin protein and a long-lived zeta toxin protein, which form a complex that neutralizes zeta toxicity. The cells that do not receive a copy of the plasmid halt their proliferation upon decay of the epsilon(2) antitoxin. The segB2 locus, which encodes two trans-acting, ParA- and ParB-like proteins and six cis-acting parS centromeres, actively ensures equal or roughly equal distribution of plasmid copies to daughter cells. The segC locus includes functions that promote the shift from the use of DNA polymerase I to the replicase (PolC-PolE DNA polymerases). The segD locus, which encodes a trans-acting transcriptional repressor, omega(2), and six cis-acting cognate sites, coordinates the expression of genes that control copy number, better-than-random segregation and partition, and assures the proper balance of these different functions. Working in concert the five different loci achieve almost absolute plasmid maintenance with a minimal growth penalty.
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Schvartzman JB, Martínez-Robles ML, Hernández P, Krimer DB. Plasmid DNA replication and topology as visualized by two-dimensional agarose gel electrophoresis. Plasmid 2009; 63:1-10. [PMID: 19925824 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2009.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2009] [Revised: 11/10/2009] [Accepted: 11/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
During the last 20 years, two-dimensional agarose gel electrophoresis combined with other techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction, helicase assay and electron microscopy, helped to characterize plasmid DNA replication and topology. Here we describe some of the most important findings that were made using this method including the characterization of uni-directional replication, replication origin interference, DNA breakage at the forks, replication fork blockage, replication knotting, replication fork reversal, the interplay of supercoiling and catenation and other changes in DNA topology that take place as replication progresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Schvartzman
- Departamento de Biología Celular y del Desarrollo, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Pratto F, Cicek A, Weihofen WA, Lurz R, Saenger W, Alonso JC. Streptococcus pyogenes pSM19035 requires dynamic assembly of ATP-bound ParA and ParB on parS DNA during plasmid segregation. Nucleic Acids Res 2008; 36:3676-89. [PMID: 18477635 PMCID: PMC2441792 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkn170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The accurate partitioning of Firmicute plasmid pSM19035 at cell division depends on ATP binding and hydrolysis by homodimeric ATPase δ2 (ParA) and binding of ω2 (ParB) to its cognate parS DNA. The 1.83 Å resolution crystal structure of δ2 in a complex with non-hydrolyzable ATPγS reveals a unique ParA dimer assembly that permits nucleotide exchange without requiring dissociation into monomers. In vitro, δ2 had minimal ATPase activity in the absence of ω2 and parS DNA. However, stoichiometric amounts of ω2 and parS DNA stimulated the δ2 ATPase activity and mediated plasmid pairing, whereas at high (4:1) ω2 : δ2 ratios, stimulation of the ATPase activity was reduced and δ2 polymerized onto DNA. Stimulation of the δ2 ATPase activity and its polymerization on DNA required ability of ω2 to bind parS DNA and its N-terminus. In vivo experiments showed that δ2 alone associated with the nucleoid, and in the presence of ω2 and parS DNA, δ2 oscillated between the nucleoid and the cell poles and formed spiral-like structures. Our studies indicate that the molar ω2 : δ2 ratio regulates the polymerization properties of (δ•ATP•Mg2+)2 on and depolymerization from parS DNA, thereby controlling the temporal and spatial segregation of pSM19035 before cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Pratto
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Centre of Biotechnology, CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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Liu YF, Wang CH, Janapatla RP, Fu HM, Wu HM, Wu JJ. Presence of plasmid pA15 correlates with prevalence of constitutive MLS(B) resistance in group A streptococcal isolates at a university hospital in southern Taiwan. J Antimicrob Chemother 2007; 59:1167-70. [PMID: 17460027 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkm106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the role of a plasmid bearing the erm(B) gene on the prevalence of the macrolide, lincosamide and group B streptogramin (MLS(B)) phenotype of group A streptococci (GAS) and to characterize the plasmid and determine the clonal relation between the erythromycin-resistant isolates. METHODS Two hundred and five erythromycin-resistant GAS isolates were collected from 1990 to 2006. Colony hybridization, PCR, plasmid curing and PFGE techniques were used to analyse the mechanisms behind the phenotypes. RESULTS Among the 56 isolates with constitutive MLS(B) (cMLS(B)) resistance, 53 isolates harboured a plasmid, pA15, of 19 kb. erm(B) was on pA15 and it confered a cMLS(B) resistance phenotype. The prevalence rate of the pA15-containing isolates was 36.3% from 1993 to 1995, but the plasmid could not be detected from 2004 to 2006. To link the high-level resistance to pA15, clinical isolate A15 was selected and pA15 was cured by novobiocin. In the plasmid-cured strain SW503, the erythromycin MIC decreased from 256 to 0.032 mg/L. By electroporation, pA15 was re-introduced into the plasmid-cured erythromycin-susceptible strain, and the high-level erythromycin resistance was restored. Plasmid pA15 was also transferred to group B streptococci and group C streptococci by electroporation. In all the pA15-containing isolates, emm1 type was present and pulse type J was predominant (48 of 54 isolates). CONCLUSIONS The plasmid pA15 mediated cMLS(B) resistance in the mid-1990s, but pA15 was not detected in the clinical isolates from 2004 onwards, which correlates with the absence of cMLS(B) resistance in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fang Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Titok M, Suski C, Dalmais B, Ehrlich SD, Jannière L. The replicative polymerases PolC and DnaE are required for theta replication of the Bacillus subtilis plasmid pBS72. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2006; 152:1471-1478. [PMID: 16622063 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.28693-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Plasmids are the tools of choice for studying bacterial functions involved in DNA maintenance. Here a genetic study on the replication of a novel, low-copy-number, Bacillus subtilis plasmid, pBS72, is reported. The results show that two plasmid elements, the initiator protein RepA and an iteron-containing origin, and at least nine host-encoded replication proteins, the primosomal proteins DnaB, DnaC, DnaD, DnaG and DnaI, the DNA polymerases DnaE and PolC, and the polymerase cofactors DnaN and DnaX, are required for pBS72 replication. On the contrary, the cellular initiators DnaA and PriA, the helicase PcrA and DNA polymerase I are dispensable. From this, it is inferred that pBS72 replication is of the theta type and is initiated by an original mechanism. Indirect evidence suggests that during this process the DnaC helicase might be delivered to the plasmid origin by the weakly active DnaD pathway stimulated by a predicted interaction between DnaC and a domain of RepA homologous to the major DnaC-binding domain of the cellular initiator DnaA. The plasmid pBS72 replication fork appears to require the same functions as the bacterial chromosome and the unrelated plasmid pAMbeta1. Most importantly, this replication machinery contains the two type C polymerases, PolC and DnaE. As the mechanism of initiation of the three genomes is substantially different, this suggests that both type C polymerases might be required in any Cairns replication in B. subtilis and presumably in other bacteria encoding PolC and DnaE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Titok
- Belarussian State University, Biological Faculty, Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Minsk 220050, 4 Scorina Avenue, Belarus
| | | | - Bérengère Dalmais
- Laboratoire de Génétique Microbienne, Bâtiment des Biotechnologies, INRA, 78352 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - S Dusko Ehrlich
- Laboratoire de Génétique Microbienne, Bâtiment des Biotechnologies, INRA, 78352 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Laurent Jannière
- Laboratoire de Génétique Microbienne, Bâtiment des Biotechnologies, INRA, 78352 Jouy en Josas, France
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16
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Bruand C, Velten M, McGovern S, Marsin S, Sérèna C, Ehrlich SD, Polard P. Functional interplay between the Bacillus subtilis DnaD and DnaB proteins essential for initiation and re-initiation of DNA replication. Mol Microbiol 2005; 55:1138-50. [PMID: 15686560 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2004.04451.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Initiation and re-initiation of chromosomal DNA replication in bacteria rely on divergent multiprotein assemblies, which direct the functional delivery of the replicative helicase on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) at specific sites. These two processes are triggered either at the single chromosomal origin oriC or at arrested forks by the conserved DnaA and PriA proteins respectively. In Bacillus subtilis, these two pathways further require the three essential proteins DnaB, DnaD and DnaI, restrictively encoded in Gram positive bacteria of low GC content. We have recently shown that DnaI and DnaB act as a pair of loaders of the DnaC replicative helicase. The role of DnaD appeared more enigmatic. It was previously shown to interact with DnaA and to display weak ssDNA binding activity. Here, we report that purified DnaD can interact physically with PriA and with DnaB. We show that the lethality of the temperature-sensitive dnaD23 mutant can be suppressed by different DnaB point mutants, which were found to be identical to the suppressors of priA null mutants. The DnaD23 protein displays lower ssDNA binding activity than DnaD. Conversely, the DnaB75 protein, the main dnaD23 suppressor, has gained affinity for ssDNA. Finally, we observed that this interplay between DnaD and DnaB is crucial for their concerted interaction with SSB-coated ssDNA, which is the expected substrate for the loading of the replicative helicase in vivo. Altogether, these results highlight the need for both DnaD and DnaB to interact individually and together with ssDNA during the early stages of initiation and re-initiation of chromosomal DNA replication. They also point at a main structural role of DnaD in the multiprotein assemblies built during these two essential processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Bruand
- Laboratoire de Génétique Microbienne, INRA, Domaine de Vilvert, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas, France
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17
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Freede P, Brantl S. Transcriptional Repressor CopR: use of SELEX to study the copR operator indicates that evolution was directed at maximal binding affinity. J Bacteriol 2004; 186:6254-64. [PMID: 15342596 PMCID: PMC515161 DOI: 10.1128/jb.186.18.6254-6264.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
CopR is one of the two copy number control elements of the streptococcal plasmid pIP501. It represses transcription of the repR mRNA encoding the essential replication initiator protein about 10- to 20-fold by binding to its operator region upstream of the repR promoter pII. CopR binds at two consecutive sites in the major groove of the DNA that share the consensus motif 5'-CGTG. Previously, the minimal operator was narrowed down to 17 bp, and equilibrium dissociation constants for DNA binding and dimerization were determined to be 0.4 nM and 1.4 microM, respectively. In this work, we used a SELEX procedure to study copR operator sequences of different lengths in combination with electrophoretic mobility shift assays of mutated copR operators as well as copy number determinations to assess the sequence requirements for CopR binding. The results suggest that in vivo evolution was directed at maximal binding affinity. Three simultaneous nucleotide exchanges outside the bases directly contacted by CopR only slightly affected CopR binding in vitro or copy numbers in vivo. Furthermore, the optimal spacer sequence was found to comprise 7 bp, to be AT rich, and to need an A/T and a T at the 3' positions, whereas broad variations in the sequences flanking the minimal 17-bp operator were well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Freede
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Biologisch-Pharmazeutische Fakultät, AG Bakteriengenetik, Hans-Knoll-Str. 2, Jena D-07745, Germany
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18
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Le Chatelier E, Jannière L, Ehrlich SD, Canceill D. The RepE initiator is a double-stranded and single-stranded DNA-binding protein that forms an atypical open complex at the onset of replication of plasmid pAMbeta 1 from Gram-positive bacteria. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:10234-46. [PMID: 11124267 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m010118200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The RepE protein of the broad host range pAMbeta1 plasmid from Gram-positive bacteria is absolutely required for replication. To elucidate its role, we purified the protein to near homogeneity and analyzed its interactions with different nucleic acids using gel retardation assays and footprinting experiments. We show that RepE is monomeric in solution and binds specifically, rapidly, and durably to the origin at a unique double-stranded binding site immediately upstream from the initiation site of DNA replication. The binding induces only a weak bend (31 degrees ). Unexpectedly, RepE also binds nonspecifically to single-stranded DNA with a 2-4-fold greater affinity than for double-stranded origin. On a supercoiled plasmid, RepE binding to the double-stranded origin leads to the denaturation of the AT-rich sequence immediately downstream from the binding site to form an open complex. This open complex is atypical since (i) its formation requires neither multiple RepE binding sites on the double-stranded origin nor strong bending of the origin, (ii) it occurs in the absence of any cofactors (only RepE and supercoiling are required), and (iii) its melted region serves as a substrate for RepE binding. These original properties together with the fact that pAMbeta1 replication depends on a transcription step through the origin on DNA polymerase I to initiate replication and on a primosome to load the replisome suggest that the main function of RepE is to assist primer generation at the origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Le Chatelier
- Laboratoire de Génétique Microbienne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Domaine de Vilvert, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
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19
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Shevelev AB, Aleoshin VV, Trachuk LA, Granovsky AE, Kogan YN, Rumer LM, Serkina AV, Semenova EV, Bushueva AM, Livshits VA, Kostrov SV, Shcheglov AS, Novikova SI, Chestukhina GG. Expression of bacillar glutamyl endopeptidase genes in Bacillus subtilis by a new mobilizable single-replicon vector pLF. Plasmid 2000; 43:190-9. [PMID: 10783297 DOI: 10.1006/plas.1999.1455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The pLF1311 natural plasmid from Lactobacillus fermentum 1311 was used to construct a single-replicon vector suitable for rapid cloning in a wide range of gram-positive hosts and Escherichia coli. The new vector is capable of conjugative mobilization from E. coli to various hosts by conjugal transfer. The final vector (3.4 kb) showed a high segregational and structural stability and a high copy number. Glutamyl endopeptidase genes from Bacillus licheniformis (gseBL) and B. intermedius (gseBI) were cloned in both pLF9 and pLF14 vectors and introduced to B. subtilis. The yield of enzymes in the pLF-derived producers was 6- to 30-fold more than in the natural producers and reached 100-150 mg/L of mature protease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Shevelev
- Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms, Moscow, Russia.
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20
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Santamaría D, de la Cueva G, Martínez-Robles ML, Krimer DB, Hernández P, Schvartzman JB. DnaB helicase is unable to dissociate RNA-DNA hybrids. Its implication in the polar pausing of replication forks at ColE1 origins. J Biol Chem 1998; 273:33386-96. [PMID: 9837915 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.50.33386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of plasmids were constructed containing two unidirectional ColE1 replication origins in either the same or opposite orientations and their replication mode was investigated using two-dimensional agarose gel electrophoresis. The results obtained showed that, in these plasmids, initiation of DNA replication occurred at only one of the two potential origins per replication round regardless of origins orientation. In those plasmids with inversely oriented origins, the silent origin act as a polar pausing site for the replication fork initiated at the other origin. The distance between origins (up to 5.8 kilobase pairs) affected neither the interference between them to initiate replication nor the pausing function of the silent origin. A deletion analysis indicated that the presence of a transcription promoter upstream of the origin was the only essential requirement for it to initiate replication as well as to account for its polar pausing function. Finally, in vitro helicase assays showed that Escherichia coli DnaB is able to melt DNA-DNA homoduplexes but is very inefficient to unwind RNA-DNA hybrids. Altogether, these observations strongly suggest that replication forks pause at silent ColE1 origins due to the inability of DnaB helicase, which leads the replication fork in vivo, to unwind RNA-DNA hybrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Santamaría
- Departamento de Biología Celular y del Desarrollo, CIB (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Velázquez 144, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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21
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Steinmetzer K, Behlke J, Brantl S. Plasmid pIP501 encoded transcriptional repressor CopR binds to its target DNA as a dimer. J Mol Biol 1998; 283:595-603. [PMID: 9784369 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.1998.2122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The CopR protein is one of the two regulators of pIP501 copy number. It acts as transcriptional repressor at the essential repR promoter pII. Previously, we found that CopR contacts two consecutive major grooves (site I and site II) on the same face of the DNA. In spite of identical sequence motifs in these sites, neighboring bases were contacted differently. Furthermore, we showed that CopR can dimerize in solution. We demonstrate by two independent methods that CopR binds the DNA as a dimer. We present data that suggest that the sigmoidal CopR-DNA binding curve published previously is the result of two coupled equilibria: dimerization of CopR monomers and CopR dimer-DNA binding. A KD-value of 1.44(+/-0.49)x10(-6) M for CopR dimers was determined by analytical ultracentrifugation. Based on this value and the binding curve, the equilibrium dissociation constant K2 for the CopR-DNA complex was calculated to be 4(+/-1. 3)x10(-10) M. Quantitative Western blot analysis was used to determine the intracellular concentration of CopR in Bacillus subtilis. This value, 20x10(-6) to 30x10(-6) M, is 10 to 20-fold higher than the equilibrium constant for dimer dissociation, suggesting that CopR binds in vivo as a preformed dimer.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Steinmetzer
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Winzerlaer Str. 10, Jena, D-07745, Germany.
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22
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Abstract
pAMbeta1 is a plasmid isolated from Enterococcus faecalis which replicates in Bacillus subtilis by a unidirectional theta mechanism. It has been shown previously that initiation of pAMbeta1 replication requires a plasmid-encoded protein (RepE) and a short origin and is carried out by the host DNA polymerase I. It is not known which primer is used by this polymerase for initiating replication. Here, we report that a transcription fork passing through the origin is a limiting factor for plasmid replication. Transcription that activates the origin is initiated at the repE promoter and is thus regulated by the plasmid copy-number control system. Two lines of evidence suggest that the transcription generates the primer for the DNA polymerase I. First, the transcription must start upstream from the origin and progress in the direction of replication to be effective. Second, 3' ends of RNA transcripts initiated upstream of the origin map within the origin, provided that the Rep protein and an intact origin are present. This is the first report for simultaneous requirement of a transcription fork, a replication protein and the DNA polymerase I in initiation of DNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bruand
- Laboratoire de Génétique Microbienne, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
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23
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Steinmetzer K, Brantl S. Plasmid pIP501 encoded transcriptional repressor CopR binds asymmetrically at two consecutive major grooves of the DNA. J Mol Biol 1997; 269:684-93. [PMID: 9223633 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.1997.1083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Replication of the streptococcal plasmid pIP501 is regulated by the CopR protein and an antisense-RNA (RNAIII). CopR acts as transcriptional repressor at the essential repR promoter pII by binding to inverted repeat IR1 upstream of pII. To further characterize the interaction of CopR with its target, footprinting studies were performed. Methylation interference identified three guanine bases (G240, G242 and G251) in the top strand and two (G252 and G254) in the bottom strand contacted by CopR in the major groove of the DNA. Missing base interference revealed the contribution of the bases in the neighbourhood of these guanine bases to the specific DNA-protein contacts. Phosphate residues essential for CopR binding were determined by ethylation interference. The recognition sequence was localized at the centre of inverted repeat IR1. CopR contacts two consecutive major grooves (site I and II) on the same face of the DNA. Although the two sites share a common sequence motif, neighbouring bases are contacted differently. DNA fragments carrying single mutations in site I or II were analysed by band shift assays. Gel filtration and native gel electrophoresis demonstrated that CopR exists only as a dimer. A sigmoidal binding curve of CopR to its DNA target was observed and allowed the determination of the apparent dissociation constant K(D). The significance of the relatively high apparent K(D) for the role of CopR in pIP501 copy number regulation is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Steinmetzer
- Institut für Molekularbiologie, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Germany
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24
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Viguera E, Hernández P, Krimer DB, Boistov AS, Lurz R, Alonso JC, Schvartzman JB. The ColE1 unidirectional origin acts as a polar replication fork pausing site. J Biol Chem 1996; 271:22414-21. [PMID: 8798404 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.271.37.22414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-orientation of replication origins is the most common organization found in nature for multimeric plasmids. Streptococcus pyogenes broad-host-range plasmid pSM19035 and Escherichia coli pPI21 are among the exceptions. pPI21, which is a derivative of pSM19035 and pBR322, has two long inverted repeats, each one containing a potentially active ColE1 unidirectional origin. Analysis of pPI21 replication intermediates (RIs) by two-dimensional agarose gel electrophoresis and electron microscopy revealed the accumulation of a specific RI containing a single internal bubble. The data obtained demonstrated that initiation of DNA replication occurred at a single origin in pPI21. Progression of the replicating fork initiated at either of the two potential origins was transiently stalled at the other inversely oriented silent ColE1 origin of the plasmid. The accumulated RIs, containing an internal bubble, occurred as a series of stereoisomers with different numbers of knots in their replicated portion. These observations provide one of the first functional explanations for the disadvantage of head-to-head plasmid multimers with respect to head-to-tail ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Viguera
- Departamento de Biología Celular y del Desarrollo, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Velázquez 144, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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25
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Le Chatelier E, Ehrlich SD, Jannière L. Countertranscript-driven attenuation system of the pAM beta 1 repE gene. Mol Microbiol 1996; 20:1099-112. [PMID: 8809762 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.1996.tb02550.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The plasmid-encoded RepE protein is absolutely essential and rate-limiting for replication of the promiscuous plasmid pAM beta 1 originating from Enterococcus faecalis. We previously showed that the rep gene is transcribed from a promoter that is negatively regulated (approximately 10-fold reduction) by the CopF repressor. In this report, we show that this transcription is decreased a further approximately 10-times by a countertranscript-driven transcriptional attenuation system. Extensive mutagenesis revealed that this system operates by a mechanism similar to that previously described for the unrelated repC gene of plasmid pT181.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Le Chatelier
- Laboratoire de Génétique Microbienne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy en Josas, France
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26
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Khan SA. Mechanism of replication and copy number control of plasmids in gram-positive bacteria. GENETIC ENGINEERING 1996; 18:183-201. [PMID: 8785121 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-1766-9_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S A Khan
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15261, USA
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27
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Alonso JC, Weise F, Rojo F. The Bacillus subtilis histone-like protein Hbsu is required for DNA resolution and DNA inversion mediated by the beta recombinase of plasmid pSM19035. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:2938-45. [PMID: 7852372 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.7.2938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The beta recombinase, encoded by the Gram-positive bacterial plasmid pSM19035, is unable to mediate DNA recombination in vitro unless a host factor is provided. The factor has now been identified as the Bacillus subtilis Hbsu protein. Hbsu is a nonspecific DNA-binding and DNA-bending protein. The beta recombinase, in the presence of highly purified Hbsu protein, is able to catalyze in vitro intramolecular recombination between two specific recombination sites on a supercoiled DNA molecule. DNA resolution was obtained when the two crossing over sites (six sites) were directly oriented, whereas DNA inversion was the product when the six sites were in inverse orientation. The ability of the Escherichia coli chromatin-associated proteins HU, IHF, Fis, and H-NS to substitute for Hbsu was investigated. HU efficiently stimulated beta-mediated recombination, while the effect of IHF was partial and that of Fis and H-NS was undetectable. In addition, the beta protein was able to mediate DNA recombination in both wild-type and IHF-deficient E. coli cells, but failed to do so in an HU-deficient strain. The data presented provide direct evidence that a chromatin-associated protein is strictly required for beta-mediated recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Alonso
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Canto Blanco, Spain
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28
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Brantl S. The copR gene product of plasmid pIP501 acts as a transcriptional repressor at the essential repR promoter. Mol Microbiol 1994; 14:473-83. [PMID: 7533881 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.1994.tb02182.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The amount of the rate-limiting replication initiator protein RepR of plasmid pIP501 is negatively controlled by an antisense RNA (RNAIII) and a dispensable protein (CopR). Deletions or mutations in either component cause a 10-20-fold copy number increase. RNAIII induces transcription attenuation of the repR mRNA; the mode of CopR action remained unclear. To test the function of CopR, transcriptional fusions of promoters pI, pII and pIII with lacZ were integrated into the Bacillus subtilis chromosome. CopR and/or RepR were supplied in trans, and LacZ synthesis measured. The results show that CopR represses the repR promoter pII. Neither CopR nor RepR autoregulate their promoters. Gel mobility shift assays indicate that CopR binds to a 44 bp DNA fragment comprising the inverted repeat upstream of pII.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Brantl
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Institut für Molekularbiologie, Germany
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29
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Le Chatelier E, Ehrlich SD, Jannière L. The pAM beta 1 CopF repressor regulates plasmid copy number by controlling transcription of the repE gene. Mol Microbiol 1994; 14:463-71. [PMID: 7885230 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.1994.tb02181.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
pAM beta 1 is a low-copy-number, promiscuous plasmid from Gram-positive bacteria that replicates by a unidirectional theta-type mode. Its replication is initiated by an original mechanism, involving the positive rate-limiting RepE protein. Here we show that the pAM beta 1-encoded CopF protein is involved in negative regulation of the plasmid copy number. CopF represses approximately 10-fold the transcription initiated at the promoter of the repE gene and binds to a 31 bp segment which is located immediately upstream of the -35 box of the repE promoter. We propose that CopF inhibits initiation of transcription at the repE promoter by binding to its operator.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Le Chatelier
- Laboratoire de Génétique Microbienne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy en Josas, France
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30
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Cegłowski P, Alonso JC. Gene organization of the Streptococcus pyogenes plasmid pDB101: sequence analysis of the orf eta-copS region. Gene 1994; 145:33-9. [PMID: 8093174 DOI: 10.1016/0378-1119(94)90319-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The gene organization of the broad-host-range low-copy-number pSM19035-derived plasmid pDB101 is presented. Analysis of the 19,202-bp sequence revealed thirteen different open reading frames (orfs). Nine of these orfs (repS-orf-orf beta-orf gamma-orf delta-orf epsilon-orf zeta-erm2-erm1 have been previously identified [Cegłowski et al., Gene 136 (1993) 1-12]. The extraordinarily long inverted repeated sequence, which includes orf alpha-orf beta-orf gamma-orf delta-orf epsilon-orf zeta, comprises 76% of the pDB101 molecule. The gene order in pDB101 is repS-orf alpha-orf beta-orf gamma-orf delta-orf epsilon-orf zeta-erm2-erm1-orf zeta-orf epsilon-orf delta-orf gamma-orf beta-orf alpha-orf eta-orf theta-orf1-copS. The organization of genes of the orf eta-orf gamma region resembles the organization of genes in the orfA-orfI region of pAM beta 1. Except for Orf1, bands of radioactive proteins corresponding to the molecular mass of the deduced reading frames (26.7, 14.3 and 10.3 kDa) were detected using the T7 promoter-expression system. The orf1 encoded a product (deduced molecular mass 28.3 kDa) which shows anomalous electrophoretical mobility corresponding to 60 kDa. The copS- and orf1-encoded proteins share homology to plasmid copy number control systems and Gram+ cocci surface proteins, respectively. The orf eta and orf theta encode proteins with unknown activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Cegłowski
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw
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31
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Langer U, Alonso JC. Genetic analysis of the DnaA-dependent priming in the initiation of lagging strand DNA synthesis of plasmid pUB110 in Bacillus subtilis. FEMS Microbiol Lett 1994; 119:123-8. [PMID: 8039651 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1994.tb06878.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Derivatives of Bacillus subtilis plasmid pUB110 lacking the major lagging strand replication origin (ssoU-) accumulate intracellular single-strand circular (SS(c)) DNA intermediates and are unable to propagate in dnaB and dnaD hosts. DnaA-dependent priming requires a DnaA box in a stable hairpin form; a higher copy number of a DnaA box is not sufficient as a signal for the conversion of the SS(c) into its dsDNA form. The introduction into the plasmid of a hairpin structure, whose stem carries a DnaA box, mediates conversion of SS(c) into dsDNA and makes plasmid replication independent of the B. subtilis dnaB function. This conversion signal has been termed ssoA.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Langer
- Max-Planck-Institut für molekulare Genetik, Berlin, FRG
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32
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Pedré X, Weise F, Chai S, Lüder G, Alonso JC. Analysis of cis and trans acting elements required for the initiation of DNA replication in the Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage SPP1. J Mol Biol 1994; 236:1324-40. [PMID: 8126723 DOI: 10.1016/0022-2836(94)90061-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The development of SPP1 has been studied in several B. subtilis mutants conditionally defective in initiation of DNA replication. Initiation of SPP1 replication is independent of the host DnaA (replisome organizer), DnaB, DnaC and DnaI products, but requires the DnaG (DNA primase) and the DNA gyrase. Furthermore, SPP1 replication is independent of the DnaK (heat shock) protein. The phage-encoded products required for initiation of SPP1 replication have been genetically characterized. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence (3.292 kilobases) of the region where SPP1 initiation replication mutants map, revealed five open reading frames (orf). We have assigned genes 38, 39 and 40 to three of these orfs, which have the successive order gene 38-gene 39-orf39,1-gene 40-orf41. The direction of transcription of the reading frames, the lengths of the mRNAs as well as the transcription start point, upstream of gene 38 (PE2), were identified. Proteins of 29.9, 14.6 and 46.6 kDa were anticipated from translation of gene 38, gene 39 and gene 40, respectively. The purified G38P and G39P have estimated molecular masses of 31 and 15 kDa. G38P and G39P do not share significant identity with primary protein sequences currently available in protein databases, whereas G40P shares substantial homology with a family of DNA primase-associated DNA helicases. G38P binds specifically to two discrete SPP1 DNA restriction fragments (EcoRI-4 and EcoRI-3). The G38P binding site on EcoRI-4 was localized on a 393 bp DNA segment, which lies within the coding sequence of gene 38. The putative binding site on EcoRI-3 was inferred by DNA sequence homology, it maps in a non-coding segment. G39P, which does not bind to DNA, is able to form a complex with G38P. The organization of the SPP1 genes in the gene 38 to gene 40 interval resembles that one found in the replication origin regions of different Escherichia coli double-stranded DNA phages (lambda, phi 80 and P22). We propose that the conserved gene organization is representative of the replication origin region of a primordial phage.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Pedré
- Max-Planck-Institut für molekulare Genetik, Berlin, Germany
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Cegłowski P, Boitsov A, Chai S, Alonso JC. Analysis of the stabilization system of pSM19035-derived plasmid pBT233 in Bacillus subtilis. Gene 1993; 136:1-12. [PMID: 8293991 DOI: 10.1016/0378-1119(93)90441-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The low-copy-number, 9.0-kb pSM19035-derived plasmid pBT233, is stably inherited in Bacillus subtilis. The complete nucleotide (nt) sequence of pBT233 has been determined. Analysis of the nt sequence revealed nine major open reading frames (orfs). The repS, erm1 and erm2 genes have been assigned to three of these orfs, and given the gene order, repS-orf alpha-orf beta-orf gamma-orf delta-orf epsilon-orf zeta-erm2-erm1. The organization of genes of the repS-orf gamma region resembles the organization of genes in the repE-orfI region of pAM beta 1. Messenger RNA species of molecular weights corresponding to repS, orf alpha + orf beta, orf gamma, orf delta and orf epsilon + orf zeta were detected by Northern blotting. Proteins of 23.8, 81.3, 34.4, 10.7 and 32.4 kDa correspond to Orfs beta, gamma, delta, epsilon and zeta, respectively. Bands of radioactive proteins of 25, 81, 34, 10 and 32 kDa were detected using the T7 promoter-expression system. The orf beta and orf gamma encode proteins that share homology to site-specific recombinases and type-I topoisomerases, respectively. The orfs, delta, epsilon and zeta, encode proteins with unknown activity. Deletion of a 1.5-kb segment (nt 2999-4552) with coding capacity for orf beta, orf gamma and orf delta does not seem to affect plasmid maintenance. Removal of a 3.0-kb fragment (nt 4598-7689) with coding capacity for orf epsilon and orf zeta reduced plasmid segregational stability, but deletion of a 5.2-kb DNA segment (nt 2546-7826) abolished it.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- P Cegłowski
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Genetik, Berlin, Germany
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Ceglowski P, Boitsov A, Karamyan N, Chai S, Alonso JC. Characterization of the effectors required for stable inheritance of Streptococcus pyogenes pSM19035-derived plasmids in Bacillus subtilis. MOLECULAR & GENERAL GENETICS : MGG 1993; 241:579-85. [PMID: 8264532 DOI: 10.1007/bf00279900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The low-copy-number and broad-host-range pSM19035-derived plasmid pBT233 is stably inherited in Bacillus subtilis cells. Two distinct regions, segA and segB, enhance the segregational stability of the plasmid. Both regions function in a replicon-independent manner. The maximization of random plasmid segregation is accomplished by the recombination proficiency of the host or the presence of the pBT233 segA region. The segA region contains two open reading frames (orf) [alpha and beta]. Inactivation or deletion of orf beta results in SegA- plasmids. Better than random segregation requires an active segB region. The segB region contains two orfs (orf epsilon and orf zeta). Inactivation of either of the orfs does not lead to an increase in cell death, but orf zeta- plasmids are randomly segregated. These results suggest that pBT233 stabilization relies on a complex system involving resolution of plasmid oligomers (segA) and on the function(s) encoded by the segB region.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ceglowski
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw
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Rojo F, Weise F, Alonso JC. Purification of the beta product encoded by the Streptococcus pyogenes plasmid pSM19035. A putative DNA recombinase required to resolve plasmid oligomers. FEBS Lett 1993; 328:169-73. [PMID: 8344422 DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(93)80987-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Genetic evidence suggests that the gene beta product of Streptococcus pyogenes plasmid pSM19035 is required for converting plasmid multimers into monomers. The beta protein was purified from cells overexpressing the cloned gene. N-terminal protein sequence analysis demonstrated that the purified protein had the predicted sequence, except that the N-terminal initiator methionine was not present. Native beta protein consists of a dimer of two identical subunits with a molecular mass of 23.8 kDa (25 kDa in SDS-PAGE). The beta protein (isoelectric point of 9.7) binds specifically to a DNA fragment (312 bp in length) which contains the promoter region of the orf alpha-gene beta operon and two regions (sites I and II) that show dyad axes of symmetry. It is proposed that protein beta binds to sites I and II to mediate resolution of plasmid oligomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Rojo
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, UAM-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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