Identification of three extra-chromosomal replicons in Leptospira pathogenic strain and development of new shuttle vectors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The genome of pathogenic Leptospira interrogans contains two chromosomes. Plasmids and prophages are known to play specific roles in gene transfer in bacteria and can potentially serve as efficient genetic tools in these organisms. Although plasmids and prophage remnants have recently been reported in Leptospira species, their characteristics and potential applications in leptospiral genetic transformation systems have not been fully evaluated.

Results

Three extrachromosomal replicons designated lcp1 (65,732 bp), lcp2 (56,757 bp), and lcp3 (54,986 bp) in the L. interrogans serovar Linhai strain 56609 were identified through whole genome sequencing. All three replicons were stable outside of the bacterial chromosomes. Phage particles were observed in the culture su

SUBMITTER: Zhu W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4338851 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature