Construction and testing of a bacterial luciferase reporter gene system for in vivo measurement of nonsense suppression in Streptomyces.

A reporter gene system, based on luciferase genes from Vibrio harvei, was constructed for measurement of translation nonsense suppression in Streptomyces. Using the site-directed mutagenesis the TCA codon in position 13 of the luxB gene was replaced by all of the three stop codons individually. By cloning of luxA and luxB genes under the control of strong constitutive Streptomyces promoter ermE* in plasmid pUWL201 we created Wluxl with the wild-type sequence and pWlux2, pWlux3 and pWlux4 plasmids containing TGA-, TAG- and TAA-stop codons, respectively. Streptomyces lividans TK 24 was transformed with the plasmids and the reporter system was tested by growth of the strain in the presence of streptomycin as a translation accuracy modulator. Streptomycin increased nonsense suppression on UAA nearly 10-fold and more than 20-fold on UAG. On the other hand, UGA, the most frequent stop signal in Streptomyces, the effect was negligible.

Natural and acquired macrolide resistance in mycobacteria.

The genus Mycobacterium contains two of the most important human pathogens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae, the etiologic agents of tuberculosis and leprosy, respectively. Other mycobacteria are mostly saprophytic organisms, living in soil and water, but some of them can cause opportunistic infections. The increasing incidence of tuberculosis as well as infections with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in AIDS patients has renewed interest in molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in these pathogens. Mycobacteria show a high degree of intrinsic resistance to most common antibiotics. For instance, species from the M. tuberculosis complex (MTC) are intrinsically resistant to macrolides. Nevertheless, some semi-synthetic macrolides as the erythromycin derivatives clarithromycin, azithromycin and most recently the ketolides, are active against NTM, particularly Mycobacterium avium, and some of them are widely used for infection treatment. However, shortly after the introduction of these new drugs, resistant strains appeared due to mutations in the macrolide target, the ribosome. The mycobacterial cell wall with its specific composition and structure is considered to be a major factor in promoting the natural resistance of mycobacteria to various antibiotics. However, to explain the difference in macrolide sensitivity between the MTC and NTM, the synergistic contribution of a specific resistance mechanism might be required, in addition to possible differences in cell wall permeability. This mini-review summarizes the current knowledge on the natural and acquired macrolide resistance in mycobacteria, gives an overview of potential mechanisms implicated in the intrinsic resistance and brings recent data concerning a macrolide resistance determinant in the MTC.

The integrative element pSAM2 from Streptomyces: kinetics and mode of conjugal transfer.

pSAM2 is an 11 kb integrative element from Streptomyces ambofaciens that is capable of conjugal transfer. A system based on differential DNA modification by SalI methyltransferase was used to localize pSAM2 in the donor or recipient strain, and thus to determine the various steps associated with transfer. Initiation (i.e. excision and replication of pSAM2 in the donor) occurs a few hours after mating with a recipient strain. pSAM2 replicates in the recipient strain, spreads within the mycelium and then integrates into the chromosome. Transfer generally involves single-stranded DNA. In Streptomyces, only a few genes, such as traSA for pSAM2, are required for conjugal transfer. Using the differential sensitivity to the SalI restriction-modification system of transfers involving single- and double-stranded DNA, we found that pSAM2 was probably transferred to the recipient as double-stranded DNA. This provides the first experimental evidence for the transfer of double-stranded DNA during bacterial conjugation. Thus, TraSA, involved in pSAM2 transfer, and SpoIIIE, which is involved in chromosome partitioning in Bacillus subtilis, display similarities in both sequence and function: both seem to transport double-stranded DNA actively, either from donor to recipient or from mother cell to prespore.

KorSA from the Streptomyces integrative element pSAM2 is a central transcriptional repressor: target genes and binding sites.

pSAM2, a 10.9-kb mobile integrative genetic element from Streptomyces ambofaciens, possesses, as do a majority of Streptomyces conjugative plasmids, a kil-kor system associated with its transfer. The kor function of pSAM2 was attributed to the korSA gene, but its direct role remained unclear. The present study was focused on the determination of the KorSA targets. It was shown that KorSA acts as a transcriptional repressor by binding to a conserved 17-nucleotide sequence found upstream of only two genes: its own gene, korSA, and pra, a gene positively controlling pSAM2 replication, integration, and excision. A unique feature of KorSA, compared to Kor proteins from other Streptomyces conjugative plasmids, is that it does not directly regulate pSAM2 transfer. KorSA does not bind to the pSAM2 genes coding for transfer and intramycelial spreading. Through the repression of pra, KorSA is able to negatively regulate pSAM2 functions activated by Pra and, consequently, to maintain pSAM2 integrated in the chromosome.

Characterization of a glycosyl transferase inactivating macrolides, encoded by gimA from Streptomyces ambofaciens.

In Streptomyces ambofaciens, the producer of the macrolide antibiotic spiramycin, an open reading frame (ORF) was found downstream of srmA, a gene conferring resistance to spiramycin. The deduced product of this ORF had high degrees of similarity to Streptomyces lividans glycosyl transferase, which inactivates macrolides, and this ORF was called gimA. The cloned gimA gene was expressed in a susceptible host mutant of S. lividans devoid of any background macrolide-inactivating glycosyl transferase activity. In the presence of UDP-glucose, cell extracts from this strain could inactivate various macrolides by glycosylation. Spiramycin was not inactivated but forocidin, a spiramycin precursor, was modified. In vivo studies showed that gimA could confer low levels of resistance to some macrolides. The spectrum of this resistance differs from the one conferred by a rRNA monomethylase, such as SrmA. In S. ambofaciens, gimA was inactivated by gene replacement, without any deleterious effect on the survival of the strain, even under spiramycin-producing conditions. But the overexpression of gimA led to a marked decrease in spiramycin production. Studies with extracts from wild-type and gimA-null mutant strains revealed the existence of another macrolide-inactivating glycosyl transferase activity with a different substrate specificity. This activity might compensate for the effect of gimA inactivation.

Structure of the chromosomal insertion site for pSAM2: functional analysis in Escherichia coli.

The element pSAM2 from Streptomyces ambofaciens integrates into the chromosome through site-specific recombination between the element (attP) and the chromosomal (attB) sites. These regions share an identity segment of 58bp extending from the anti-codon loop through the 3' end of a tRNA(Pro) gene. To facilitate the study of the attB site, the int and xis genes, expressed from an inducible promoter, and attP from pSAM2 were cloned on plasmids in Escherichia coil. Compatible plasmids carrying the different attB regions to be tested were introduced in these E. coli strains. Under these conditions, Int alone could promote site-specific integration; Int and Xis were both required for site-specific excision. This experimental system was used to study the sequences required in attB for efficient site-specific recombination. A 26 bp sequence, centred on the anti-codon loop region and not completely included in the identity segment, retained all the functionality of attB; shorter sequences allowed integration with lower efficiencies. By comparing the 26-bp-long attB with attP, according to the Lambda model, we propose that B and B', C and C' core-type Int binding sites consist of 9 bp imperfect inverted repeats separated by a 5 bp overlap region.

Replicase, excisionase, and integrase genes of the Streptomyces element pSAM2 constitute an operon positively regulated by the pra gene.

pSAM2 is a site-specific integrative element from Streptomyces ambofaciens. The pra gene described earlier as an activator of pSAM2 replication is shown here to be also involved in the activation of its integration and excision. This was evidenced with derivatives of pSAM2 mutant B3 in which the pra gene was placed under the control of the inducible tipAp promoter. Transformation of Streptomyces lividans by these derivatives was efficient only when pra expression was induced, indicating its involvement in pSAM2 integration activation. Once established, these constructions remained integrated in the chromosome under noninduced conditions. Activation of the pra expression provoked strong activation of their excision, leading to the appearance of free forms. The results of functional, transcriptional, and sequence analyses allowed to conclude that the three genes repSA, xis, and int coding for the pSAM2 replicase, excisionase, and integrase, respectively, constitute an operon directly or indirectly activated by pra.

Antibiotic resistance gene cassettes derived from the omega interposon for use in E. coli and Streptomyces.

Three antibiotic resistance gene cassettes, derived from the omega interposon (Prentki and Krisch (1984) Gene 29, 303-313) were constructed. These cassettes carry different antibiotic resistance genes, conferring resistance to geneticin, hygromycin or viomycin, flanked by short inverted repeats containing transcription and translation termination signals and synthetic polylinkers. These cassettes were designated omega aac, omega hyg and omega vph. Resistance phenotypes conferred by these constructions are selectable in E. coli and Streptomyces. These cassettes can be used for insertional mutagenesis or for vector construction.

Complete conversion of antibiotic precursor to pristinamycin IIA by overexpression of Streptomyces pristinaespiralis biosynthetic genes.

A Streptomyces pristinaespiralis strain, which produces a streptogramin antibiotic pristinamycin II (PII) as a mixture of two biologically active molecules PIIB and PIIA, was genetically engineered to produce exclusively PIIA. The snaA,B genes, which encode a PIIA synthase that performs oxidation of the precursor (PIIB) to the final product (PIIA), were integrated in the chromosome of S. pristinaespiralis using an integrative derivative of the pSAM2 genetic element from Streptomyces ambofaciens. Integration was due to site-specific recombination at the attB site of S. pristinaespiralis, and no homologous recombination at the snaA,B locus was observed. The attB site of S. pristinaespiralis was sequenced and found to overlap the 3' end of a pro-tRNA gene. The integrants were stable in industrial conditions of pristinamycin production and showed no decrease in PII biosynthesis. Western blot analysis showed a constant production of the PIIA synthase in the overall fermentation process due to expression of the cloned snaA,B genes from the constitutive ermE promoter. This allows the complete conversion of the PIIB form into PIIA.

The macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance phenotypes characterized by using a specifically deleted, antibiotic-sensitive strain of Streptomyces lividans.

Genes conferring resistance to macrolide, lincosamide, and streptogramin B (MLS) antibiotics via ribosomal modification are widespread in bacteria, including clinical isolates and MLS-producing actinomycetes. Such erm-type genes encode enzymes that mono- or dimethylate residue A-2058 of 23S rRNA. The different phenotypes resulting from monomethylation (MLS-I phenotype, conferred by erm type I genes) or dimethylation (MLS-II phenotype due to erm type II genes) have been characterized by introducing tlrD or ermE, respectively, into an MLS-sensitive derivative of Streptomyces lividans TK21. This strain (designated OS456) was generated by specific replacement of the endogenous resistance genes lrm and mgt. The MLS-I phenotype is characterized by high-level resistance to lincomycin with only marginal resistance to macrolides such as chalcomycin or tylosin, whereas the MLS-II phenotype involves high-level resistance to all MLS drugs. Mono- and dimethylated ribosomes were introduced into a cell-free protein-synthesizing system prepared from S. lividans and compared with unmodified particles in their response to antibiotics. There was no simple correlation between the relative potencies of MLS drugs at the level of the target site (i.e., the ribosome) and their antibacterial activities expressed as MICs.

Characterization of pra, a gene for replication control in pSAM2, the integrating element of Streptomyces ambofaciens.

pSAM2 is a genetic element found integrated in Streptomyces ambofaciens (B2) and additionally in a replicating form in two mutants B3 and B4. The presence of the pSAM2 replicating form in these mutants was the result of mutations located on pSAM2 in the pra locus, named pra3 and pra4, respectively. The pra gene is not directly involved in replication, but its inactivation led to the disappearance of the pSAM2 free form; therefore, it was considered as a replication regulator. The pra3 and pra4 mutations were located in the pra promoter and were shown to be point substitutions that increase the promoter strength. The replication regulator role of pra was demonstrated by the fact that its constitutive expression in cells harbouring pSAM2B2, which is normally only integrated, led to the appearance of the pSAM2 replicating form. Northern analysis showed that the pra gene transcript can be detected only for the replicating mutants B3 and B4 and that the three adjacent genes korSA, pra and traSA were transcribed separately. As replication of pSAM2 is not needed for its maintenance but is an indispensable stage of its transfer, the pra gene, described formally as an activator of pSAM2 replication, is patently involved in pSAM2 transfer.

Cloning of Frankia species putative tRNA(Pro) genes and their efficacy for pSAM2 site-specific integration in Streptomyces lividans.

pSAM2 is a conjugative Streptomyces ambofaciens mobile genetic element that can transfer and integrate site specifically in the genome. The chromosomal attachment site (attB) for pSAM2 site-specific recombination for two Frankia species was analyzed. It overlaps putative proline tRNA genes having a 3'-terminal CCA sequence, an uncommon feature among actinomycetes. pSAM2 is able to integrate into a cloned Frankia attB site harbored in Streptomyces lividans. The integration event removes the 3'-terminal CCA sequence and introduces a single nucleotide difference in the T psi C loop of the putative Frankia tRNA(Pro) gene. Major differences between the attP sequence from pSAM2 and the Frankia attB sequence restrict the identity segment to a 43-bp-long region. Only one mismatch is found between these well-conserved att segments. This nucleotide substitution makes a BstBI recognition site in Frankia attB and was used to localize the recombination site in a 25-bp region going from the anticodon to the T psi C loop of the tRNA(Pro) sequence. Integration of pSAM2 into the Frankia attB site is the first step toward introduction of pSAM2 derivatives into Frankia spp.

Identification of a gene encoding the replication initiator protein of the Streptomyces integrating element, pSAM2.

pSAM2 is an 11-kilobase integrating element from Streptomyces ambofaciens which was previously shown to generate single-stranded DNA during replication, indicating that it probably replicates by a rolling-circle replication (RCR) mechanism. Two separate regions are involved in its replication, one of which was shown to contain the plus origin of replication (ds origin). We report here the study of the second region. Its nucleotide sequence was determined and analysed for open reading frames (ORFs). Three putative ORFs were identified: orf183 (183 amino acids (aa)), orf50 (50 aa), and repSA (459 aa). orf183 is not necessary for replication. The function of orf50 is unknown. repSA is essential for pSAM2 replication; it could encode a protein, RepSA, presenting similarities to the replication initiator proteins (Rep) of elements that replicate by an RCR mechanism. A derivative consisting of repSA, the region containing ds origin, a Streptomyces antibiotic resistance marker, and pBR322, could replicate in Streptomyces, further demonstrating that this ORF encodes the major replication protein of pSAM2. repSA might be co-transcribed with the genes involved in integration and excision of pSAM2.

Mode and origin of replication of pSAM2, a conjugative integrating element of Streptomyces ambofaciens.

pSAM2 is an 11 kb integrating element from Streptomyces ambofaciens that is capable of replication. It generates single-stranded DNA during replication, and is therefore the first Streptomyces integrating element to be described that may belong to the family of elements, called the ssDNA elements, that replicate by a rolling-circle mechanism. The direction of replication has been identified. The plus origin (ori) of replication and minus origin (M-O) have been located. Streptomyces lividans harbouring replicating pSAM2 also contain numerous small covalently closed circular DNA molecules (scm) derived from pSAM2. These scm contain ori and extend on both sides of the putative nick site. Sequences at the junction points of these scm are heterogeneous but short direct repeats were always found in the vicinity of these junctions.

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.

Resistance to spiramycin in Streptomyces ambofaciens, the producer organism, involves at least two different mechanisms.

During its stationary phase, Streptomyces ambofaciens produces the macrolide antibiotic spiramycin, and has to protect itself against this antibiotic. Young mycelia, not yet producing spiramycin, are sensitive to it, but they become fully resistant when production begins. In a sensitive mycelium, resistance could be induced by exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of spiramycin, and these induced mycelia, like producing mycelia were resistant not only to spiramycin but also to several other macrolide antibiotics. Ribosomes extracted from these resistant mycelia were shown in vitro to be more resistant to spiramycin than ribosomes extracted from sensitive mycelium, indicating that S. ambofaciens possesses a spiramycin-inducible ribosomal resistance to spiramycin and to macrolide antibiotics. Studies with spiramycin non-producing mutants showed that, in these mutants, resistance to spiramycin also varies during cultivation, in that an old culture was much more resistant than a young one. But with these non-producing mutants, the spectrum of resistance was narrower, and in vitro data showed that resistance was not due to ribosomal modification. These results suggest that S. ambofaciens presents at least two distinct mechanisms for spiramycin resistance; a spiramycin-inducible ribosomal resistance, and a second resistance mechanism which might be temporally regulated and which could involve decreased permeability to, or export of, the antibiotic. The two mechanisms are probably at work simultaneously in the producing mycelium, the spiramycin-inducible resistance being induced by endogenous spiramycin. In non-producing mutants, in the absence of self-induction by spiramycin, only the second mechanism is observed.

Organization and nucleotide sequence analysis of a ribosomal RNA gene cluster from Streptomyces ambofaciens.

The Streptomyces ambofaciens genome contains four rRNA gene clusters. These copies are called rrnA, B, C and D. The complete nucleotide (nt) sequence of rrnD has been determined. These genes possess striking similarity with other eubacterial rRNA genes. Comparison with other rRNA sequences allowed the putative localization of the sequences encoding mature rRNAs. The structural genes are arranged in the order 16S-23S-5S and are tightly linked. The mature rRNAs are predicted to contain 1528, 3120 and 120 nt, for the 16S, 23S and 5S rRNAs, respectively. The 23S rRNA is, to our knowledge, the longest of all sequenced prokaryotic 23S rRNAs. When compared to other large rRNAs it shows insertions at positions where they are also present in archaebacterial and in eukaryotic large rRNAs. Secondary structure models of S. ambofaciens rRNAs are proposed, based upon those existing for other bacterial rRNAs. Positions of putative transcription start points and of a termination signal are suggested. The corresponding putative primary transcript, containing the 16S, 23S and 5S rRNAs plus flanking regions, was folded into a secondary structure, and sequences possibly involved in rRNA maturation are described. The G + C content of the rRNA gene cluster is low (57%) compared with the overall G + C content of Streptomyces DNA (73%).

The integrated conjugative plasmid pSAM2 of Streptomyces ambofaciens is related to temperate bacteriophages.

Streptomyces ambofaciens ATCC23877 and derivatives contain the 11-kb element pSAM2 present in an integrated state or as a free and integrated plasmid. This element, able to integrate site-specifically in the genome of different Streptomyces species, is conjugative and mobilizes chromosomal markers. Besides these plasmid functions, we have shown that the site-specific recombination system of pSAM2 presents strong similarities with that of several temperate phages. The integration event is promoted by a site-specific recombinase of the integrase family. The int gene encoding this integrase is closely linked to the plasmid attachment site (attP). A small open reading frame (ORF) overlaps the int gene and the predicted protein exhibits similarities with Xis proteins involved in phages excision. The integrated copy of pSAM2 in strain ATCC23877 is flanked by att sequences (attL and attR). Another att sequence (attX) is present in this strain and attX and attL are the boundaries of a 42-kb fragment (xSAM1) absent, as well as pSAM2, from S.ambofaciens DSM40697. Sequences partially similar to pSAM2 int gene are found near the chromosomal integration zone in both S.ambofaciens strains. The possible origin of pSAM2, an element carrying plasmid as well as phage features, is discussed.

Structural analysis of loci involved in pSAM2 site-specific integration in Streptomyces.

pSAM2 is an 11-kb plasmid integrated in the Streptomyces ambofaciens ATCC23877 and ATCC15154 genomes and found additionally as a free replicon in an uv derivative. After transfer into S. ambofaciens DSM40697 (devoid of pSAM2) or into Streptomyces lividans, specific integration of pSAM2 occurred very efficiently. A 58-bp sequence (att) present in both pSAM2 (attP) and S. ambofaciens strain DSM40697 (attB) attachment regions is found at the boundaries (attL and attR) of integrated pSAM2 in S. ambofaciens strain ATCC23877. The S. lividans chromosomal integration zone contained an imperfectly conserved att sequence (attB), and the integration event of pSAM2 was located within a 49-bp sequence of attB. Only one primary functional attB sequence was present in the S. lividans or S. ambofaciens DSM40697 total DNA. The integration zone of S. lividans hybridized with the integration zone of S. ambofaciens DSM40697. The two integration zones were homologous only to the right side of the att sequence. The conserved region contained an open reading frame (ORF A) with a stop codon located 99 bp from the attB sequence in both strains. S. ambofaciens DSM40697 contained DNA sequences related to pSAM2 on the left side of the att site. The att sequence was included in a region conserved in Streptomyces antibioticus, Streptomyces actuosus, Streptomyces bikiniensis, Streptomyces coelicolor, Streptomyces glaucescens, and Streptomyces parvulus. Site-specific integration of a pSAM2 derivative was characterized in another unrelated strain, Streptomyces griseofuscus. This strain contained an imperfectly conserved 58-bp attB sequence, and the integration event took place within a 45-bp sequence of attB. Site-specific integration of pSAM2 in three nonrelated Streptomyces strains suggests the wide host range of pSAM2 integration in Streptomyces.

Resistance to macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramin type B antibiotics due to a mutation in an rRNA operon of Streptomyces ambofaciens.

Streptomyces ambofaciens produces spiramycin, a macrolide antibiotic and expresses an inducible resistance to macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramin B antibiotics (MLS). From a mutant of S.ambofaciens exhibiting a constitutive MLS resistance phenotype a resistance determinant was cloned on a low copy number vector (pIJ61) through its expression in Streptomyces lividans. Further characterization has shown that this determinant corresponded to a mutant rRNA operon with a mutation in the 23S rRNA gene. In different organisms, mutations leading to MLS resistance have been located at a position corresponding to the adenine 2058 of Escherichia coli 23S rRNA. In the 23S rRNA from S.ambofaciens a similar position for the mutation has been postulated and DNA sequencing of this region has shown an adenine to guanine transition at a position corresponding to 2058. S.ambofaciens possesses four rRNA operons which we have cloned. In Streptomyces, contrary to other bacteria, a mutation in one among several rRNA operons confers a selectable MLS resistance phenotype. Possible reasons for this difference are discussed.