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Genetic tools for studying Capnocytophaga canimorsus

Mally, M. and Cornelis, G. R.. (2008) Genetic tools for studying Capnocytophaga canimorsus. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Vol. 74, H. 20. pp. 6369-6377.

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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/dok/A5259130

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Abstract

Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a commensal bacterium from canine oral flora, has been isolated throughout the world from severe human infections caused by dog bites. Due to the low level of evolutionary relationship to Proteobacteria, genetic methods suitable for the genus Capnocytophaga needed to be established. Here, we show that Tn4351, derived from Bacteroides fragilis, could be introduced by conjugation into C. canimorsus and conferred resistance to erythromycin. By mapping and sequencing a naturally occurring plasmid isolated from a clinical isolate of C. canimorsus, we identified a repA gene that allowed us to construct Escherichia coli-Capnocytophaga shuttle vectors. Most commonly used antibiotic markers were not functional in C. canimorsus, but cefoxitin (cfxA), tetracycline (tetQ), and erythromycin (ermF) resistances could be used as markers for plasmid maintenance in C. canimorsus and even in some other Capnocytophaga spp. Shuttle vectors were introduced into C. canimorsus either by conjugation using the origin of transfer (oriT) of RP4 or by electrotransformation. Taking advantage of the promoter of ermF, an expression vector was constructed. Finally, a method that allows site-directed mutagenesis is described. All these genetic tools pave the way, not only for molecular studies of the pathogenesis of C. canimorsus, but also for studies of other oral Capnocytophaga species.
Faculties and Departments:05 Faculty of Science > Departement Biozentrum > Former Organization Units Biozentrum > Molecular Microbiology (Cornelis)
UniBasel Contributors:Cornelis, Guy R.
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Research Article
Publisher:American Society for Microbiology
ISSN:0099-2240
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article
Last Modified:22 Mar 2012 14:22
Deposited On:22 Mar 2012 13:29

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