The streptothricin acetyltransferase (sat) gene as a positive selectable marker for methanogenic archaea.

ABSTRACT: A repertoire of sophisticated genetic tools has significantly enhanced studies of Methanosarcina genera, yet the lack of multiple positive selectable markers has limited the types of genetic experiments that can be performed. In this study, we report the development of an additional positive selection system for Methanosarcina that utilizes the antibiotic nourseothricin and the Streptomyces rochei streptothricin acetyltransferase (sat) gene, which may be broadly applicable to other groups of methanogenic archaea. Nourseothricin was found to inhibit growth of four different methanogen species at concentrations ≤300 μg/ml in liquid or on solid media. Selection of nourseothricin resistant transformants was possible in two genetically tractable Methanosarcina species, M. acetivorans and M. bar

SUBMITTER: Farley KR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6830497 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature