Complete nucleotide sequence of a linear plasmid from Streptomyces clavuligerus and characterization of its RNA transcripts

Genome editing reveals that pSCL4 is required for chromosome linearity in Streptomyces clavuligerus

Streptomyces clavuligerus is an industrially important actinomycete whose genetic manipulation is limited by low transformation and conjugation efficiencies, low levels of recombination of introduced DNA, and difficulty in obtaining consistent sporulation. We describe the construction and application of versatile vectors for Cas9-mediated genome editing of this strain. To design spacer sequences with confidence, we derived a highly accurate genome assembly for an isolate of the type strain (ATCC 27064). This yielded a chromosome assembly (6.75 Mb) plus assemblies for pSCL4 (1795 kb) and pSCL2 (149 kb). The strain also carries pSCL1 (12 kb), but its small size resulted in only partial sequence coverage. The previously described pSCL3 (444 kb) is not present in this isolate. Using our Cas9 vectors, we cured pSCL4 with high efficiency by targeting the plasmid's parB gene. Five of the resulting pSCL4-cured isolates were characterized and all showed impaired sporulation. Shotgun genome sequencing of each of these derivatives revealed large deletions at the ends of the chromosomes in all of them, and for two clones sufficient sequence data was obtained to show that the chromosome had circularized. Taken together, these data indicate that pSCL4 is essential for the structural stability of the linear chromosome.

Streptomyces clavuligerus: The Omics Era

The Streptomyces clavuligerus genome consists in a linear chromosome of about 6.7 Mb and four plasmids (pSCL1 to pSCL4), the latter one of 1.8 Mb. Deletion of pSCL4, results in viable mutants with high instability in the chromosome arms, which may lead to chromosome circularisation. Transcriptomic and proteomic studies comparing different mutants with the wild-type strain improved our knowledge on the biosynthesis and regulation of clavulanic acid, cephamycin C and holomycin. Additional knowledge has been obtained on the SARP-type CcaR activator and the network of connections with other regulators (Brp, AreB, AdpA, BldG, RelA) controlling ccaR expression. The transcriptional pattern of the cephamycin and clavulanic acid clusters is supported by the binding of CcaR to different promoters and confirmed that ClaR is a CcaR-dependent activator that controls the late steps of clavulanic biosynthesis. Metabolomic studies allowed the detection of new metabolites produced by S. clavuligerus such as naringenin, desferroxamines, several N-acyl tunicamycins, the terpenes carveol and cuminyl alcohol or bafilomycin J. Heterologous expression of S. clavuligerus terpene synthases resulted in the formation of no less than 15 different terpenes, although none of them was detected in S. clavuligerus culture broth. In summary, application of the Omic tools results in a better understanding of the molecular biology of S. clavuligerus, that allows the use of this strain as an industrial actinobacterial platform and helps to improve CA production.

A 1.8-Mb-reduced Streptomyces clavuligerus genome: relevance for secondary metabolism and differentiation

A large part (21%) of the wild-type Streptomyces clavuligerus genome is located in a 1.8-Mb megaplasmid that greatly influences secondary metabolites biosynthesis even if the secondary metabolites are chromosomally encoded. The megaplasmid copy number may change depending on the nutritional and environmental conditions. The S. clavuligerus oppA2::aph mutant described by Lorenzana et al. (2004) does not form aerial mycelium, spores, and clavulanic acid, but overproduces holomycin. Transcriptomic studies, polymerase chain reactions (PCR), qPCR, and RT-qPCR analysis showed that S. clavuligerus oppA2::aph has a drastically reduced number of copies (about 25,000-fold lower than the parental strain) of plasmids pSCL1 (10.5 kb), pSCL2 (149.4 kb), and the megaplasmid pSCL4 (1.8 Mb). To clarify the role of the linear plasmids and the function of OppA2 in S. clavuligerus oppA2::aph we constructed oppA2 mutants which contained: (1) a normal copy number of the linear plasmids, (2) completely lack of the linear plasmids, and (3) a parA-parB pSCL4 mutant that resulted in lack of pSCL4. In addition, a strain with a functional oppA2 gene was constructed lacking the megaplasmid pSCL4. The results confirmed that the oppA2 gene is essential for clavulanic acid production, independently of the presence or absence of linear plasmids, but oppA2 has little relevance on differentiation. We demonstrated that the lack of sporulation of S. clavuligerus oppA2::aph is due to the absence of linear plasmids (particularly pSCL4) and the holomycin overproduction is largely due to the lack of pSCL4 and is stimulated by the oppA2 mutation.

Characterization of the multiple CRISPR loci on Streptomyces linear plasmid pSHK1

The complete nucleotide sequence including the novel telomere sequence of Streptomyces linear plasmid pSHK1 consists of 187,263-bp, 158 genes, in which 51 genes resemble those of the linear plasmid SCP1 of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2), and 20 genes encode transposases. Strikingly, the repetitive CRISPRs (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) and cas (CRISPR-associated) genes were found, including a cluster of eight cas genes, in the order cas2B-cas1B-cas3B-cas5-cas4-cas2A-cas1A-cas3A, bracketed by a pair of divergent CRISPRs, and five other dispersed CRISPRs. The cas2B-cas1B-cas3B-cas5 or cas4-cas2A-cas1A genes were co-transcribed. Protein-protein interactions between Cas5 and Cas1A, 2A, 2B, 3B were detected by yeast two-hybrids, indicating a critical role of Cas5 for the formation of protein complexes. By polymerase chain reaction and Southern hybridization, 12 cas4 genes including three on linear plasmids were found among 75 newly isolated Streptomyces strains. The paired-CRISPRs and bracketed cas were also conserved in several other Streptomyces or actinomycete species. However, unlike other bacteria, the CRISPRs-cas in pSHK1 could not provide immunity against introduction of phage ΦC31 and plasmid containing the particular spacers in Streptomyces.

Draft genome sequence of Streptomyces clavuligerus NRRL 3585, a producer of diverse secondary metabolites

Streptomyces clavuligerus is an important industrial strain that produces a number of antibiotics, including clavulanic acid and cephamycin C. A high-quality draft genome sequence of the S. clavuligerus NRRL 3585 strain was produced by employing a hybrid approach that involved Sanger sequencing, Roche/454 pyrosequencing, optical mapping, and partial finishing. Its genome, comprising four linear replicons, one chromosome, and four plasmids, carries numerous sets of genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, including a variety of antibiotics.

The sequence of a 1.8-mb bacterial linear plasmid reveals a rich evolutionary reservoir of secondary metabolic pathways

Plasmids are mobile genetic elements that play a key role in the evolution of bacteria by mediating genome plasticity and lateral transfer of useful genetic information. Although originally considered to be exclusively circular, linear plasmids have also been identified in certain bacterial phyla, notably the actinomycetes. In some cases, linear plasmids engage with chromosomes in an intricate evolutionary interplay, facilitating the emergence of new genome configurations by transfer and recombination or plasmid integration. Genome sequencing of Streptomyces clavuligerus ATCC 27064, a Gram-positive soil bacterium known for its production of a diverse array of biotechnologically important secondary metabolites, revealed a giant linear plasmid of 1.8 Mb in length. This megaplasmid (pSCL4) is one of the largest plasmids ever identified and the largest linear plasmid to be sequenced. It contains more than 20% of the putative protein-coding genes of the species, but none of these is predicted to be essential for primary metabolism. Instead, the plasmid is densely packed with an exceptionally large number of gene clusters for the potential production of secondary metabolites, including a large number of putative antibiotics, such as staurosporine, moenomycin, β-lactams, and enediynes. Interestingly, cross-regulation occurs between chromosomal and plasmid-encoded genes. Several factors suggest that the megaplasmid came into existence through recombination of a smaller plasmid with the arms of the main chromosome. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that heavy traffic of genetic information between Streptomyces plasmids and chromosomes may facilitate the rapid evolution of secondary metabolite repertoires in these bacteria.

Two internal origins of replication in Streptomyces linear plasmid pFRL1

Previous reports showed that Streptomyces linear plasmids usually contain one internal replication locus. Here, we identified two new replication loci on pFRL1, one (rep1A-ncs1) next to a telomere and another (rep2A-ncs2) approximately 10 kb from it. The rep1A-ncs1 locus was able to direct replication independently in both linear and circular modes, whereas rep2A-ncs2 required an additional locus, rlrA-rorA, in order to direct propagation in linear mode. Rep1A protein bound to ncs1 in vitro. By quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and Northern hybridization, we showed that transcription of rep1A and rep2A varied during development and that each dominated at different time points. pFRL1-derived linear plasmids were inherited through spores more stably than circular plasmids and were more stable with pSLA2 telomeres than with pFRL1 telomeres in Streptomyces lividans.

Variation in the replication loci of Streptomyces linear plasmids

Streptomyces linear plasmids start replication at centrally located loci, usually consisting of iterons and adjacent rep genes. Here, we identified four new replication loci from Streptomyces linear plasmids. A discontinuous locus, consisting of two genes and iterons separated by two nonessential genes, was required for replication of pRL2 in both linear and circular modes. A temperature-sensitive plasmid, pRL4, contained a replication locus, a noncoding sequence and a SAP1.35-like gene. A telomere-adjacent locus, another noncoding sequence and SAP1.1-like gene, was identified for replication of the large plasmid pFRL2. The replication locus of pSHK1 consisted of SCP1-rep-like genes and iterons. These results indicate an unexpected variety of components, positions and combinations of replication loci among Streptomyces linear plasmids.

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.

Three unlinked gene clusters are involved in clavam metabolite biosynthesis in Streptomyces clavuligerus

In Streptomyces clavuligerus, three groups of genes are known to be involved in the biosynthesis of the clavam metabolites. Since antibiotic biosynthetic genes are invariably clustered on the chromosome in prokaryotes, chromosome walking was undertaken in an attempt to show that the three groups of clavam genes would resolve into a single super-cluster when analyzed at larger scale. However, no evidence of linkage between the three groups was obtained. Furthermore, Southern analysis of macro-restriction fragments of genomic DNA separated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis also indicated that the three groups of genes are not linked. Despite the structural and biosynthetic relatedness of the clavam metabolites, our results suggest that the genes involved in their production lie in three unlinked gene clusters. We believe that this represents the first instance in bacteria of genes involved in the biosynthesis of a single family of antibiotics sharing a common biosynthetic pathway and yet residing in three separate locations on the chromosome.

A linear megaplasmid, p1CP, carrying the genes for chlorocatechol catabolism of Rhodococcus opacus 1CP

The Gram-positive actinobacterium Rhodococcus opacus 1CP is able to utilize several (chloro)aromatic compounds as sole carbon sources, and gene clusters for various catabolic enzymes and pathways have previously been identified. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis indicates the occurrence of a 740 kb megaplasmid, designated p1CP. Linear topology and the presence of covalently bound proteins were shown by the unchanged electrophoretic mobility after S1 nuclease treatment and by the immobility of the native plasmid during non-denaturing agarose gel electrophoresis, respectively. Sequence comparisons of both termini revealed a perfect 13 bp terminal inverted repeat (TIR) as part of an imperfect 583/587 bp TIR, as well as two copies of the highly conserved centre (GCTXCGC) of a palindromic motif. An initial restriction analysis of p1CP was performed. By means of PCR and hybridization techniques, p1CP was screened for several genes encoding enzymes of (chloro)aromatic degradation. A single maleylacetate reductase gene macA, the clc gene cluster for 4-chloro-/3,5-dichlorocatechol degradation, and the clc2 gene cluster for 3-chlorocatechol degradation were found on p1CP whereas the cat and pca gene clusters for the catechol and the protocatechuate pathways, respectively, were not. Prolonged cultivation of the wild-type strain 1CP under non-selective conditions led to the isolation of the clc- and clc2-deficient mutants 1CP.01 and 1CP.02 harbouring the shortened plasmid variants p1CP.01 (500 kb) and p1CP.02 (400 kb).

Functional characterization of a catabolic plasmid from polychlorinated- biphenyl-degrading Rhodococcus sp. strain RHA1

Rhodococcus sp. strain RHA1, a potent polychlorinated-biphenyl (PCB)-degrading strain, contains three linear plasmids ranging in size from 330 to 1,100 kb. As part of a genome sequencing project, we report here the complete sequence and characterization of the smallest and least-well-characterized of the RHA1 plasmids, pRHL3. The plasmid is an actinomycete invertron, containing large terminal inverted repeats with a tightly associated protein and a predicted open reading frame (ORF) that is similar to that of a mycobacterial rep gene. The pRHL3 plasmid has 300 putative genes, almost 21% of which are predicted to have a catabolic function. Most of these are organized into three clusters. One of the catabolic clusters was predicted to include limonene degradation genes. Consistent with this prediction, RHA1 grew on limonene, carveol, or carvone as the sole carbon source. The plasmid carries three cytochrome P450-encoding (CYP) genes, a finding consistent with the high number of CYP genes found in other actinomycetes. Two of the CYP genes appear to belong to novel families; the third belongs to CYP family 116 but appears to belong to a novel class based on the predicted domain structure of its reductase. Analyses indicate that pRHL3 also contains four putative "genomic islands" (likely to have been acquired by horizontal transfer), insertion sequence elements, 19 transposase genes, and a duplication that spans two ORFs. One of the genomic islands appears to encode resistance to heavy metals. The plasmid does not appear to contain any housekeeping genes. However, each of the three catabolic clusters contains related genes that appear to be involved in glucose metabolism.

Complete nucleotide sequence and genetic organization of the 210-kilobase linear plasmid of Rhodococcus erythropolis BD2

The complete nucleotide sequence of the linear plasmid pBD2 from Rhodococcus erythropolis BD2 comprises 210,205 bp. Sequence analyses of pBD2 revealed 212 putative open reading frames (ORFs), 97 of which had an annotatable function. These ORFs could be assigned to six functional groups: plasmid replication and maintenance, transport and metalloresistance, catabolism, transposition, regulation, and protein modification. Many of the transposon-related sequences were found to flank the isopropylbenzene pathway genes. This finding together with the significant sequence similarities of the ipb genes to genes of the linear plasmid-encoded biphenyl pathway in other rhodococci suggests that the ipb genes were acquired via transposition events and subsequently distributed among the rhodococci via horizontal transfer.

Genomic sequence and transcriptional analysis of a 23-kilobase mycobacterial linear plasmid: evidence for horizontal transfer and identification of plasmid maintenance systems

Linear plasmids were unknown in mycobacteria until recently. Here, we report the complete nucleotide sequence of 23-kb linear plasmid pCLP from Mycobacterium celatum, an opportunistic pathogen. The sequence of pCLP revealed at least 19 putative open reading frames (ORFs). Expression of pCLP genes in exponential-phase cultures was determined by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). Twelve ORFs were expressed, whereas no transcription of the 7 other ORFs of pCLP was detected. Five of the 12 transcribed ORFs detected by RT-PCR are of unknown function. Sequence analysis revealed similar loci in both M. celatum pCLP and the Mycobacterium tuberculosis chromosome, including transposase-related sequences. This result suggests horizontal transfer between these two organisms. pCLP also contains ORFs that are similar to genes of bacterial circular plasmids involved in partition (par operon) and postsegregational (pem operon) mechanisms. Functional analysis of these ORFs suggests that they probably carry out similar maintenance roles in pCLP.

Partitioning of the linear chromosome during sporulation of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) involves an oriC-linked parAB locus

Candidate partitioning genes (parA and parB) for the linear chromosome of Streptomyces coelicolor were identified by DNA sequencing in a series of seven genes located between rnpA and trxA near the chromosomal replication origin. The most likely translation start point of parB overlapped the parA stop codon, suggestive of coregulation, and transcription analysis suggested that the two genes formed an operon. Deletion of part of parB had no effect on the growth or appearance of colonies but caused a deficiency in DNA partitioning during the multiple septation events involved in converting aerial hyphae into long chains of spores. At least 13% of spore compartments failed to inherit the normal DNA allocation. The same phenotype was obtained with a deletion removing a segment of DNA from both parA and parB. Reinforcing the idea of a special role for the par locus during sporulation, the stronger of two parAB promoters was greatly upregulated at about the time when sporulation septation was maximal in colonies. Three copies of a 14-bp inverted repeat (GTTTCACGTGAAAC) were found in or near the parAB genes, and at least 12 more identical copies were identified within 100 kb of oriC from the growing genome sequence database. Only one perfect copy of the 14-bp sequence was present in approximately 5 Mb of sequence available from the rest of the genome. The 14-bp sequence was similar to sequences identified as binding sites for Spo0J, a ParB homologue from Bacillus subtilis believed to be important for DNA partitioning (D. C.-H. Lin and A. D. Grossman, Cell 92:675-685, 1998). One of these sites encompassed the transcription start point of the stronger parA promoter.

Complete nucleotide sequence and characterization of pSNA1 from pimaricin-producing Streptomyces natalensis that replicates by a rolling circle mechanism

A cryptic plasmid, pSNA1, has been identified in the pimaricin-producing Streptomyces natalensis strain ATCC 27448. pSNA1 has been mapped with restriction endonucleases and its complete nucleotide sequence was determined. The circular DNA molecule is 9367 bp in length and has a 71.3% G+C content. Its estimated copy number is 30. Analysis of the sequence and codon preferences indicated that pSNA1 contains seven open reading frames [encoding peptides larger than 90 amino acid (aa) residues], ORF 1 to ORF 7, located on both strands of pSNA1. ORF 3 codes for a protein (476 aa) that shows high sequence similarity to replication-associated proteins in Streptomyces plasmids known to replicate via the rolling circle mechanism. Accumulation of single-strand intermediates further indicates that pSNA1 replicates via the rolling circle replication model. ORF 1 encodes a polypeptide of 246 aa that shares homology with KorA proteins encoded by other streptomycete plasmids. ORF 4 (SpdA) codes for a protein (161 aa) possibly involved in intramycelial plasmid transfer. Protein encoded by ORF 2 (309 aa) shares homology with a Streptomyces protein (SpdB2) also involved in plasmid spreading.

Interspecific transfer of Streptomyces giant linear plasmids in sterile amended soil microcosms

The interspecific transfer of two giant linear plasmids was investigated in sterile soil microcosms. Plasmids pRJ3L (322 kb) and pRJ28 (330 kb), both encoding mercury resistance, were successfully transferred in amended soil microcosms from their streptomycete hosts, the isolates CHR3 and CHR28, respectively, to a plasmidless and mercury-sensitive strain, Streptomyces lividans TK24. Transconjugants of S. lividans TK24 were first observed after 2 to 3 days of incubation at 30 degrees C, which corresponded to the time taken for the formation of mycelia in soil. Transfer frequencies were 4.8 x 10(-4) and 3.6 x 10(-5) CFU/donor genome for pRJ3L and pRJ28, respectively. Transconjugants were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis for the presence of plasmids, and plasmid identity was confirmed by restriction digests. Total genomic DNA digests confirmed that transconjugants were S. lividans TK24. The mercury resistance genes were shown to be on the plasmid in the transconjugants by hybridization analysis and were still functional. This is the first demonstration of transfer of giant linear plasmids in sterile soil microcosms. Giant linear plasmids were detected in many Streptomyces spp. isolated from mercury-contaminated sediments from Boston Harbor (United States), Townsville Harbor (Australia), and the Sali River (Tucuman, Argentina). Mercury resistance genes were shown to be present on some of these plasmids. Our findings that giant linear plasmids can be transferred between Streptomyces spp. and are common in environmental Streptomyces isolates suggest that these plasmids are important in gene transfer between streptomycetes in the environment.

The linear plasmid SCP1 of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) possesses a centrally located replication origin and shows significant homology to the transposon Tn4811

The linear plasmid SCP1 of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) is one of the genetically more studied linear streptomycete replicons. Although the genetics of SCP1 and its interaction with the host chromosome have been analyzed for nearly three decades no information exists on its replication. With the help of an ordered cosmid contig for the complete 360-kb element, we have localized a 5439-bp fragment from the central region that confers autonomous replication in Streptomyces lividans. The minimal origin contains two overlapping ORFs which are separated from an AT-rich region which might correspond to the replication start point. ORF1 revealed intensive similarity to a class of DNA-primase/helicases of actinophages and archael plasmids. In addition, we have identified a region in both terminal inverted repeats of SCP1 that shows significant homology to the transposable element Tn4811 located near the ends of the S. lividans 66 chromosome.

Chromosomal arm replacement generates a high level of intraspecific polymorphism in the terminal inverted repeats of the linear chromosomal DNA of Streptomyces ambofaciens

The chromosomal DNA of the bacteria Streptomyces ambofaciens DSM40697 is an 8-Mb linear molecule that ends in terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) of 210 kb. The sequences of the TIRs are highly variable between the different linear replicons of Streptomyces (plasmids or chromosomes). Two spontaneous mutant strains harboring TIRs of 480 and 850 kb were isolated. The TIR polymorphism seen is a result of the deletion of one chromosomal end and its replacement by 480 or 850 kb of sequence identical to the end of the undeleted chromosomal arm. Analysis of the wild-type sequences involved in these rearrangements revealed that a recombination event took place between the two copies of a duplicated DNA sequence. Each copy was mapped to one chromosomal arm, outside of the TIR, and encoded a putative alternative sigma factor. The two ORFs, designated hasR and hasL, were found to be 99% similar at the nucleotide level. The sequence of the chimeric regions generated by the recombination showed that the chromosomal structure of the mutant strains resulted from homologous recombination events between the two copies. We suggest that this mechanism of chromosomal arm replacement contributes to the rapid evolutionary diversification of the sequences of the TIR in Streptomyces.

The conjugative plasmid pSG5 from Streptomyces ghanaensis DSM 2932 differs in its transfer functions from other Streptomyces rolling-circle-type plasmids

The Streptomyces ghanaensis plasmid pSG5 is self-transmissible but does not form the growth-retardation zones (pocks) normally characteristic of the Streptomyces plasmid-transfer process. The complete nucleotide sequence of pSG5 was determined on both strands. pSG5 is 12,208 bp in length and has a GC content of 68 mol%. Characterization of the open reading frames by insertion and deletion analysis revealed that only a single gene, traB, is involved in the transfer of pSG5. The deduced amino acid sequence of TraB is similar to the SpoIIIE protein that is responsible for chromosome translocation during prespore formation of Bacillus subtilis. In contrast to the tra genes of the other Streptomyces plasmids, the pSG5 traB does not represent a kill function. Although pSG5 transfer is not associated with pock formation, pSG5 was shown to possess putative spd genes that are responsible for the pock phenotype of other Streptomyces plasmids. However, promoter-probe experiments revealed that the spd genes of pSG5 are not transcribed, thus explaining the deficiency in pock formation.

Identification of two linear plasmids in the actinomycete Planobispora rosea

Two linear plasmids (pPR1, 27.5 kb, and pPR2, 16 kb) were identified in Planobispora rosea, an actinomycete that produces the antibiotic GE2270, an inhibitor of the elongation factor Tu. Strains lacking both plasmids still produce and are resistant to GE2270. The two plasmids share an internal region of high similarity, but no cross-hybridization was detected between their telomeric regions or between plasmid and chromosomal DNA. The 5' ends of the plasmids appear to be linked to terminal proteins. The telomeric regions of pPR2 were cloned after 3'-end homopolymer tailing and PCR amplification. The approximately 650 nt telomeric DNA sequences of pPR2 are repeated in inverted orientation and are rich in direct and inverted repeats; the 350 bp terminal region is less G + C-rich than the rest of the plasmid. The structural organization of these plasmids appears to be similar to Streptomyces linear replicons.

Mercury resistance is encoded by transferable giant linear plasmids in two chesapeake bay Streptomyces strains

The Streptomyces strains CHR3 and CHR28, isolated from the Baltimore Inner Harbor, contained two and one, respectively, giant linear plasmids which carry terminally bound proteins. The plasmids pRJ3L (322 kb), from CHR3, and pRJ28 (330 kb), from CHR28, carry genes homologous to the previously characterized chromosomal Streptomyces lividans 66 operon encoding resistance against mercuric compounds. Both plasmids are transmissible (without any detectable rearrangement) to the chloramphenicol-resistant S. lividans TK24 strain lacking plasmids and carrying a chromosomal deletion of the mer operon. S. lividans TK24 conjugants harboring pRJ3L or pRJ28 exhibited profiles of mercury resistance to mercuric compounds similar to those of Streptomyces strains CHR3 and CHR28.

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.

Cloning and physical mapping of the EcoRI fragments of the giant linear plasmid SCP1

A cosmid library was constructed for the 350-kb giant linear plasmid SCP1 and aligned on a successive linear map. Only a 0.8-kb gap has remained uncloned in the terminal inverted repeats close to both ends. Partial digestion of the aligned cosmids with EcoRI and hybridization with the flanking fragments of the vector enabled physical mapping of all of the EcoRI fragments. On this map, the methylenomycin biosynthetic gene cluster, the insertion sequence IS466, and the sapCDE genes coding for spore-associated proteins were localized.

A pathway-specific transcriptional activator regulates late steps of clavulanic acid biosynthesis in Streptomyces clavuligerus

A Streptomyces clavuligerus gene (designated claR) located downstream from the gene encoding clavaminate synthase in the clavulanic acid biosynthetic gene cluster is involved in regulation of the late steps in clavulanic acid biosynthesis. Nucleotide sequence analysis and database searching of ClaR identified a significant similarity to the helix-turn-helix motif (HTH) region of LysR transcriptional regulators. A gene replacement mutant disrupted in claR was unable to produce clavulanic acid, suggesting that claR is essential for clavulanic acid biosynthesis. Furthermore, the accumulation of clavaminic acid in the claR mutant suggested that ClaR regulates the late steps in the clavulanic acid pathway, i.e. those involved in the conversion of clavaminic acid to clavulanic acid. Transcriptional analysis using RNA isolated from the wild type and the claR mutant showed that the expression of the putative late genes, but not the early genes, was regulated by ClaR. High-resolution S1 nuclease analysis of claR suggested that it is expressed as a monocistronic transcript and also as a bicistronic transcript along with the late gene orf-9. The transcription start site of the monocistronic claR transcript was identified as a C residue 155 nucleotides upstream from the claR start codon.

Structural analysis of the 6 kb cryptic plasmid pFAJ2600 from Rhodococcus erythropolis NI86/21 and construction of Escherichia coli-Rhodococcus shuttle vectors

The complete nucleotide sequence of the 5936 bp cryptic plasmid pFAJ2600 from Rhodococcus erythropolis NI86/21 was determined. Based on the characteristics of its putative replication genes, repA and repB, pFAJ2600 was assigned to the family of pAL5000-related small replicons identified in Mycobacterium (pAL5000), Corynebacterium (pXZ10142), Brevibacterium (pRBL1), Bifidobacterium (pMB1) and Neisseria (pJD1). The replication systems of these plasmids show striking similarities to the ones used by the ColE2 family of plasmids from Enterobacteria with respect to both trans-acting factors and ori sequences. Two possible plasmid stabilization systems are encoded on pFAJ2600: a site-specific recombinase (PmrA) related to the Escherichia coli Xer proteins for plasmid multimer resolution and an ATPase (ParA) related to the A-type of proteins in sop/par partitioning systems. The proposed replication termination region of pFAJ2600 has features in common with the Ter loci of Bacillus subtilis. Chimeras composed of a pUC18-Cmr derivative inserted in the parA-repA intergenic region of vector pFAJ2600 produced vectors that could be shuttled between Escherichia coli and several Rhodococcus species (R. erythropolis, R. fascians, R. rhodochrous, R. ruber). The pFAJ2600-based shuttle vector pFAJ2574 was stably maintained in R. erythropolis and R. fascians growing under non-selective conditions.

Genetic instability and its possible evolutionary implications on the chromosomal structure of Streptomyces

Recent progress in the understanding of the chromosomal rearrangements in Streptomyces has allowed us to envisage the possible involvement of genetic instability in the evolution of the chromosomal structure. The characterization of recombinational events in the terminal parts of the S ambofaciens chromosome, as well as the observation by other groups that linear plasmids and chromosomes are able to interact, would provide an explanation for the very high levels of polymorphism seen in the terminal inverted repeats of different strains of Streptomyces.

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.

Functional analysis of the gene encoding the clavaminate synthase 2 isoenzyme involved in clavulanic acid biosynthesis in Streptomyces clavuligerus

A Streptomyces clavuligerus mutant disrupted in cas2, encoding the clavaminate synthase (CAS2) isoenzyme, was constructed by a gene replacement procedure. The resulting cas2 mutant showed no clavulanic acid production when grown in starch-asparagine medium. However, in soy medium, the cas2 mutant did produce clavulanic acid, although in amounts less than those produced by wild-type cultures. This medium-dependent leaky phenotype correlated well with the presence of the cas1 transcript, encoding the CAS1 isoenzyme, in cultures grown in soy medium and with its absence from those grown in starch-asparagine medium. This suggested that CAS1 and CAS2 both contribute to clavulanic acid production but that their production is regulated differently. Under nutritional conditions in which cas1 expression is blocked, cas2 becomes essential for clavulanic acid production. Northern (RNA) analysis revealed that while cas1 is transcribed as a 1.4-kb monocistronic transcript only, cas2 is transcribed both as a 1.2-kb monocistronic transcript and as part of a 5.3-kb polycistronic transcript. High-resolution S1 nuclease analysis located the transcription start point of the monocistronic cas2 transcript at a C residue 103 nucleotides upstream from the cas2 start codon.

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.

Transcriptional analysis and heterologous expression of the gene encoding beta-lactamase inhibitor protein (BLIP) from Streptomyces clavuligerus

Transcription of bli, the gene encoding beta-lactamase (Bla) inhibitor protein (BLIP) of Streptomyces clavuligerus, was analyzed by promoter-probe studies, Northern hybridization and high-resolution S1 nuclease mapping. The 1-kb SalI DNA fragment immediately upstream from the bli open reading frame (ORF) showed promoter activity when tested using the xylE-based promoter-probe vector, pIJ4083. The promoter activity was approx. 36-fold higher in S. clavuligerus than in S. lividans. Northern hybridization analysis of S. clavuligerus RNA revealed that bli was expressed as a 0.7-kb monocistronic transcript. High-resolution S1 nuclease mapping identified the transcription start point as an A residue 47 bp upstream from the bli start codon. When the bli ORF, along with 111 bp of upstream sequence including the promoter, was introduced into S. lividans, the transformants produced BLIP, but in amounts approx. 12-fold lower than that produced by S. clavuligerus. Involvement of some additional regulatory element that is present in S. clavuligerus, but absent in S. lividans, could explain the difference in the promoter activities and therefore the difference in the overall expression of bli in the two hosts.

Transcriptional mapping of the genes encoding the early enzymes of the cephamycin biosynthetic pathway of Streptomyces clavuligerus

Isopenicillin-N synthase (IPNS) of Streptomyces clavuligerus is encoded by the pcbC gene which is found within the cephamycin biosynthetic gene cluster. pcbC is located directly downstream from lat and pcbAB, which encode the enzymes, lysine epsilon-amino transferase and delta-(L-alpha-aminoadipyl)-L-cysteinyl-D-valine synthetase, respectively. These enzymes act prior to IPNS in the biosynthetic pathway, and the three genes are transcribed in the same direction. Previous pcbC transcriptional studies involving recombinant promoter probe plasmids, Northern analysis and 5' primer extension indicated the presence of a monocistronic 1.2-kb transcript that initiated within pcbAB, 92-bp upstream from the pcbC start codon. S1 nuclease mapping studies have now shown, not only the transcript initiating 92 bp upstream from pcbC, but also a transcript initiating further upstream, possibly including the entire pcbAB gene. Promoter probe analysis and S1 nuclease mapping failed to detect promoter activity or a transcription start point (tsp) directly upstream from pcbAB, suggesting that pcbAB transcripts initiated within or upstream from lat. Northern analysis, to search for a pcbAB transcript, showed no distinct transcript and indicated severely degraded mRNA. Similar results were obtained when Northern analysis was used to search for lat transcripts. Promoter probe analysis to locate the lat promoter indicated that a sequence promoting transcription was present in a 330-bp DNA fragment that extended from 227-bp upstream from the lat structural gene to 103 bp inside the gene.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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.

Linear plasmids and chromosomes in bacteria

Linear plasmids and chromosomes were unknown in prokaryotes until recently but have now been found in spirochaetes, Gram-positive bacteria, and Gram-negative bacteria. Two structural types of bacterial linear DNA have been characterized. Linear plasmids of the spirochaete Borrelia have a covalently closed hairpin loop at each end and linear plasmids of the Gram-positive filamentous Streptomyces have a covalently attached protein at each end. Replicons with similar structures are more frequent in eukaryotic cells than in prokaryotes. Linear genomic structures are probably more common in bacteria than previously recognized, however, and some replicons may interconvert between circular and linear isomers. The molecular biology of these widely dispersed elements provides clues to explain the origin of linear DNA in bacteria, including evidence for genetic exchange between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Transfer functions of the conjugative integrating element pSAM2 from Streptomyces ambofaciens: characterization of a kil-kor system associated with transfer

pSAM2 is an 11-kb integrating element from Streptomyces ambofaciens. During matings, pSAM2 can be transferred at high frequency, forming pocks, which are zones of growth inhibition of the recipient strain. The nucleotide sequences of the regions involved in pSAM2 transfer, pock formation, and maintenance have been determined. Seven putative open reading frames with the codon usage typical of Streptomyces genes have been identified: traSA (306 amino acids [aa]), orf84 (84 aa), spdA (224 aa), spdB (58 aa), spdC (51 aa), spdD (104 aa), and korSA (259 aa). traSA is essential for pSAM2 intermycelial transfer and pock formation. It could encode a protein with similarities to the major transfer protein, Tra, of pIJ101. TraSA protein contains a possible nucleotide-binding sequence and a transmembrane segment. spdA, spdB, spdC, and spdD influence pock size and transfer efficiency and may be required for intramycelial transfer. A kil-kor system similar to that of pIJ101 is associated with pSAM2 transfer: the korSA (kil-override) gene product could control the expression of the traSA gene, which has lethal effects when unregulated (Kil phenotype). The KorSA protein resembles KorA of pIJ101 and repressor proteins belonging to the GntR family. Thus, the integrating element pSAM2 possesses for transfer general features of nonintegrating Streptomyces plasmids: different genes are involved in the different steps of the intermycelial and intramycelial transfer, and a kil-kor system is associated with transfer. However, some differences in the functional properties, organization, and sizes of the transfer genes compared with those of other Streptomyces plasmids have been found.

The conjugative plasmid SLP2 of Streptomyces lividans is a 50 kb linear molecule

The SLP2 plasmid had previously been demonstrated genetically to exist in Streptomyces lividans by its ability to promote conjugation and to elicit 'pocks' on recipient (SLP2-) cultures, but it had not been physically detected. Using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, a 50 kb linear DNA was isolated from SLP2+ but not SLP2- strains of S. lividans, and from Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces parvulus strains to which SLP2 had been transferred by conjugation or transformation. We conclude that this linear DNA is SLP2. The terminal fragments of SLP2 were cloned. The determined sequences revealed a 44bp imperfect terminal inverted repeat. The terminal 12bp sequence of SLP2 was identical to those of two other Streptomyces linear plasmids, pSLA2 and pSCL, and similar to the terminal sequences of another Streptomyces linear plasmid, SCP1. The termini of SLP2 DNA were resistant to digestion by lambda exonuclease and ExoIII. A truncated (probably crippled) copy of Tn4811 is present on the plasmid. While the SLP2 plasmid exists as a free form in the host, a 15.7 kb sequence corresponding to the segment of SLP2 from Tn4811 to the right terminus is also present (at a copy number similar to the free form) elsewhere in the genome of S. lividans. Furthermore, SLP2 is partially homologous to a newly discovered 650 kb linear plasmid in S. parvulus.