Codon-optimized fluorescent mTFP and mCherry for microscopic visualization and genetic counterselection of streptococci and enterococci.

ABSTRACT: Despite the powerful potential of fluorescent proteins for labeling bacteria, their use has been limited in multi-species oral biofilm models. Fermentative metabolism by streptococcal species that initiate biofilm colonization results in an acidic, reduced microenvironment that may limit the activities of some fluorescent proteins which are influenced by pH and oxygen availability. The need to reliably distinguish morphologically similar strains within biofilms was the impetus for this work. Teal fluorescent protein (mTFP1) and red fluorescent protein (mCherry) were chosen because their fluorescent properties made them promising candidates. Since tRNA availability has been implicated in efficient translation of sufficient quantities of protein for maximum fluorescence, a streptococcal codo

SUBMITTER: Vickerman MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4522221 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature