Distinct Genetic Elements Research Articles

SXT-related integrating conjugative element and IncC plasmids in Vibrio cholerae O1 strains in Eastern Africa

The objective of this study was to investigate the extent of resistance patterns and associated mobile genetic elements in epidemic V. cholerae O1 El Tor strains isolated from Eastern Africa in the late 1990s. Self-transmissible genetic elements and associated clusters of genes encoding resistance were detected by conjugation experiments. Detection of SXT-related integrating conjugative elements (ICEs) and associated antibiotic resistance genes was performed by PCR to amplify the SXT element-integrase gene (int), right SXT element-chromosome junction (attP-prfC) and genes conferring resistance to chloramphenicol (floR), sulfamethoxazole (sulII), streptomycin (strA) and trimethoprim (dfrA1). Genomic relatedness was established by random amplified polymorphic DNA patterns. Of 224 strains analysed, 200 isolates exhibited resistance to four or more antimicrobials. An IncC plasmid, encoding resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, conferred multidrug resistance to 113 strains isolated from Somalia and Ethiopia, whereas an SXT-related ICE, encoding resistance to chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, conferred multidrug resistance to 74 strains isolated from Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania. This study has shown the spread of SXT-related ICEs among V. cholerae O1 African isolates. It has also highlighted the role of two distinct genetic elements in conferring multiple resistance to the two distinct groups of V. cholerae O1 strains that, in the late 1990s, spread through Eastern Africa, a critical geographic region for the persistence and transmission of cholera to the entire continent.

A Family of Insertion Sequences That Impacts Integrons by Specific Targeting of Gene Cassette Recombination Sites, the IS1111-attCGroup

Integrons facilitate the evolution of complex phenotypes by physical and transcriptional linkage of genes. They can be categorized as chromosomal integrons (CIs) or mobile resistance integrons (MRIs). The significance of MRIs for the problem of multiple antibiotic resistance is well established. CIs are more widespread, but their only demonstrated significance is as a reservoir of gene cassettes for MRIs. In characterizing CIs associated with Pseudomonas, we discovered a subfamily of insertion sequences, termed the IS1111-attC group, that insert into the recombination sites of gene cassettes (attC site) by site-specific recombination. IS1111-attC elements appear to have recently spread from Pseudomonas species to clinical class 1 integrons. Such elements are expected to significantly impact integrons. To explore this further, we examined CIs in 24 strains representing multiple levels of evolutionary divergence within the genus Pseudomonas. Cassette arrays frequently had a degenerated "footprint" of an IS1111-attC group element at their terminus and in three cases were occupied by multiple functional IS1111-attC elements. Within Pseudomonas spp. the IS-integron interaction appears to follow an evolutionarily rapid cycle of infection, expansion, and extinction. The final outcome is extinction of the IS element and modification of the right-hand boundary of the integron. This system represents an unusual example of convergent evolution whereby heterologous families of site-specific recombinases of distinct genetic elements have adopted the same target site. The interactions described here represent a model for evolutionary processes that offer insights to a number of aspects of the biology of integrons and other mosaic genetic elements.

A 9-Centimorgan Interval of Chromosome 10 Controls the T Cell-Dependent Psoriasiform Skin Disease and Arthritis in a Murine Psoriasis Model

Psoriasis is a complex genetic disease of unresolved pathogenesis with both heritable and environmental factors contributing to onset and severity. In addition to a disfiguring skin inflammation, approximately 10-40% of psoriasis patients suffer from destructive joint involvement. Previously, we reported that the CD18 hypomorphic PL/J mouse carrying a mutation resulting in reduced expression of the common chain of beta(2) integrins (CD11/CD18) spontaneously develops a skin disease that closely resembles human psoriasis. In contrast, the same mutation on C57BL/6J background did not demonstrate this phenotype. By a genome-wide linkage analysis, two major loci were identified as contributing to the development of psoriasiform dermatitis under the condition of low CD18 expression. Using a congenic approach, we now demonstrate that the introduction of a 9-centimorgan fragment of chromosome 10 derived from the PL/J strain into the disease-resistant CD18 hypomorphic C57BL/6J was promoting the development of psoriasiform skin disease and notably also arthritis. We therefore designated this locus psoriasiform skin disease-associated locus 1 (PSD1). High numbers of CD4(+) T cells and TNF-alpha producing macrophages were detected both in inflamed skin and joints in these congenic mice, with a complete resolution upon TNF-alpha inhibitor therapy or depletion of CD4(+) T cells. For the first time, we have identified a distinct genetic element that contributes to the T cell-dependent development of both psoriasiform skin disease and associated arthritis. This congenic model will be suitable to further investigations of genetic and molecular pathways that cause psoriasiform dermatitis and arthritis, and it may also be relevant for other autoimmune diseases.

RmtD 16S RNA Methylase in Epidemiologically Unrelated SPM-1-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Brazil

We read with interest the article by Doi et al. (2) suggesting that the coproduction of the metallo-β-lactamase SPM-1 and the RmtD 16S RNA methylase is highly prevalent among imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from Brazil. SPM-1 is widespread among Brazilian carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates, and isolates carrying blaSPM-1 have been observed in distinct regions of this country (3). The majority of SPM-1-producing isolates belong to a unique molecular clone identified by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and automated ribotyping (3). The findings of Doi et al. (2) led us to test a very broad collection of epidemiologically unrelated blaSPM-1-carrying P. aeruginosa strains recovered from diverse Brazilian regions for the presence of rmtD. We evaluated 26 epidemiologically unrelated SPM-1-producing P. aeruginosa clinical isolates collected from different patients during 2002 in 10 Brazilian cities located in nine states (Table ​(Table1).1). These isolates belonged to 16 different ribogroups, and six isolates belonged to the major ribotype spread throughout the country (ribotype 72-3). Screening for rmtD was performed by PCR using the primers rmtD-F (5′-GAG CGA ACT GAA GGA AAA AC-3′) and rmtD-R (5′-CAG CAC GTA AAA CAG CTC-3′), which produce a 730-bp product. Amplicons were sequenced on both strands by using the ABIPrism 377 system (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). The nucleotide sequences were analyzed using the Lasergene software package (DNASTAR, Madison, WI), and the sequences obtained were compared to sequences available over the Internet (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/blast/Blast.cgi). TABLE 1. Characteristics of the 26 epidemiologically unrelated SPM-1-producing P. aeruginosa clinical isolates from different regions in Brazil Among the 26 isolates, rmtD was detected in only 4 (15.4%) strains. This rate is much lower than the results obtained previously (51.0%), implying that the production of RmtD is not prevalent among SPM-1-producing isolates with distinct genetic backgrounds and/or from different geographic areas in Brazil. blaSPM-1 is different from other metallo-β-lactamase genes that are carried in class 1 integrons also harboring aminoglycoside resistance genes as part of other gene cassettes (5) in that blaSPM-1 is embedded in a distinct genetic element (4) where the correlation of β-lactam and aminoglycoside resistance is not as evident. However, many SPM-1-producing isolates are resistant to other antimicrobial agents, including aminoglycosides. Recently, Carvalho et al. (1) reported that all 13 SPM-1-producing P. aeruginosa isolates found in another Brazilian state carried a class 1 integron, named In163, harboring two aminoglycoside resistance genes, aacA4 and aadA7, showing that aminoglycoside resistance among SPM-1-producing isolates can be also encoded by distinct resistance mechanisms other than the RmtD 16S RNA methylase gene.

Pathogenicity islands: a molecular toolbox for bacterial virulence

Pathogenicity islands (PAIs) are distinct genetic elements on the chromosomes of a large number of bacterial pathogens. PAIs encode various virulence factors and are normally absent from non-pathogenic strains of the same or closely related species. PAIs are considered to be a subclass of genomic islands that are acquired by horizontal gene transfer via transduction, conjugation and transformation, and provide 'quantum leaps' in microbial evolution. Data based on numerous sequenced bacterial genomes demonstrate that PAIs are present in a wide range of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial pathogens of humans, animals and plants. Recent research focused on PAIs has not only led to the identification of many novel virulence factors used by these species during infection of their respective hosts, but also dramatically changed our way of thinking about the evolution of bacterial virulence.

Regulation of hematopoietic stem cell agingin vivoby a distinct genetic element

Until recently, stem cells were thought to be endowed with unlimited self-renewal capacity and, thus, assumed exempt from aging. But accumulating evidence over the past decade compellingly argues that a measurable and progressive replicative impairment in the hematopoietic, intestinal, and muscle stem cell activity exists from adulthood to old age, resulting in a decline in stem cell function and rendering stem cell aging as the possible link between cellular aging and organismal aging. By using a previously uncharacterized congenic animal model to study genetic regulation of hematopoietic stem cell aging, we have demonstrated definitively that a locus on murine chromosome 2 regulates hematopoietic stem cell aging. In addition to demonstrating that hematopoietic stem cell aging is regulated by a distinct genetic element, experimental evidence links the response of hematopoietic stem cells to DNA double-strand breaks to cellular aging, suggesting DNA integrity influences stem cell aging.

CAMP response element binding protein (CREB) activates transcription via two distinct genetic elements of the human glucose-6-phosphatase gene

BackgroundThe enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase catalyzes the dephosphorylation of glucose-6-phosphatase to glucose, the final step in the gluconeogenic and glycogenolytic pathways. Expression of the glucose-6-phosphatase gene is induced by glucocorticoids and elevated levels of intracellular cAMP. The effect of cAMP in regulating glucose-6-phosphatase gene transcription was corroborated by the identification of two genetic motifs CRE1 and CRE2 in the human and murine glucose-6-phosphatase gene promoter that resemble cAMP response elements (CRE).ResultsThe cAMP response element is a point of convergence for many extracellular and intracellular signals, including cAMP, calcium, and neurotrophins. The major CRE binding protein CREB, a member of the basic region leucine zipper (bZIP) family of transcription factors, requires phosphorylation to become a biologically active transcriptional activator. Since unphosphorylated CREB is transcriptionally silent simple overexpression studies cannot be performed to test the biological role of CRE-like sequences of the glucose-6-phosphatase gene. The use of a constitutively active CREB2/CREB fusion protein allowed us to uncouple the investigation of target genes of CREB from the variety of signaling pathways that lead to an activation of CREB. Here, we show that this constitutively active CREB2/CREB fusion protein strikingly enhanced reporter gene transcription mediated by either CRE1 or CRE2 derived from the glucose-6-phosphatase gene. Likewise, reporter gene transcription was enhanced following expression of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in the nucleus of transfected cells. In contrast, activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2), known to compete with CREB for binding to the canonical CRE sequence 5'-TGACGTCA-3', did not transactivate reporter genes containing CRE1, CRE2, or both CREs derived from the glucose-6-phosphatase gene.ConclusionsUsing a constitutively active CREB2/CREB fusion protein and a mutant of the PKA catalytic subunit that is targeted to the nucleus, we have shown that the glucose-6-phosphatase gene has two distinct genetic elements that function as bona fide CRE. This study further shows that the expression vectors encoding C2/CREB and catalytic subunit of PKA are valuable tools for the study of CREB-mediated gene transcription and the biological functions of CREB.

Role of basic region leucine zipper transcription factors cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB), CREB2, activating transcription factor 2 and CAAT/enhancer binding protein α in cyclic AMP response element‐mediated transcription

The transcription factor cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), a member of the basic region leucine zipper (bZIP) family of proteins, is the major cAMP response element (CRE) binding. Other bZIP proteins, including CREB2, activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2), or CAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) have been reported to transactivate CRE-containing genes or to interfere with transactivation by CREB. We have designed a simple transactivation assay using expression of either a constitutively active CREB mutant or a nuclear targeted mutant of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. In both cases, a striking stimulation of transcription of CRE-containing reporter genes was observed in noradrenergic locus coeruleus-like CATH.a cells. In addition, a constitutively active mutant of ATF2 specifically transactivated a secretogranin II promoter/luciferase reporter gene, but had no effect on the tyrosine hydroxylase promoter. In contrast, CREB2 and C/EBPalpha did not transactivate CRE-containing reporter genes, indicating that these bZIP proteins target distinct genetic elements. Experiments involving dominant-negative bZIP mutants revealed that CREB does not heterodimerize with CREB2, ATF2, c-Jun or C/EBP. Rather, CREB and ATF2 compete for binding to the CRE, and are independently able to up-regulate transcription of genes containing CRE motifs in their regulatory regions.

Antibiotic multiresistance plasmid pRSB101 isolated from a wastewater treatment plant is related to plasmids residing in phytopathogenic bacteria and carries eight different resistance determinants including a multidrug transport system

Ten different antibiotic resistance plasmids conferring high-level erythromycin resistance were isolated from an activated sludge bacterial community of a wastewater treatment plant by applying a transformation-based approach. One of these plasmids, designated pRSB101, mediates resistance to tetracycline, erythromycin, roxythromycin, sulfonamides, cephalosporins, spectinomycin, streptomycin, trimethoprim, nalidixic acid and low concentrations of norfloxacin. Plasmid pRSB101 was completely sequenced and annotated. Its size is 47 829 bp. Conserved synteny exists between the pRSB101 replication/partition (rep/par) module and the pXAC33-replicon from the phytopathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri. The second pRSB101 backbone module encodes a three-Mob-protein type mobilization (mob) system with homology to that of IncQ-like plasmids. Plasmid pRSB101 is mobilizable with the help of the IncP-1alpha plasmid RP4 providing transfer functions in trans. A 20 kb resistance region on pRSB101 is located within an integron-containing Tn402-like transposon. The variable region of the class 1 integron carries the genes dhfr1 for a dihydrofolate reductase, aadA2 for a spectinomycin/streptomycin adenylyltransferase and bla(TLA-2) for a so far unknown Ambler class A extended spectrum beta-lactamase. The integron-specific 3'-segment (qacEDelta1-sul1-orf5Delta) is connected to a macrolide resistance operon consisting of the genes mph(A) (macrolide 2'-phosphotransferase I), mrx (hydrophobic protein of unknown function) and mphR(A) (regulatory protein). Finally, a putative mobile element with the tetracycline resistance genes tetA (tetracycline efflux pump) and tetR was identified upstream of the Tn402-specific transposase gene tniA. The second 'genetic load' region on pRSB101 harbours four distinct mobile genetic elements, another integron belonging to a new class and footprints of two more transposable elements. A tripartite multidrug (MDR) transporter consisting of an ATP-binding-cassette (ABC)-type ATPase and permease, and an efflux membrane fusion protein (MFP) of the RND-family is encoded between the replication/partition and the mobilization module. Homologues of the macrolide resistance genes mph(A), mrx and mphR(A) were detected on eight other erythromycin resistance-plasmids isolated from activated sludge bacteria. Plasmid pRSB101-like repA amplicons were also obtained from plasmid-DNA preparations of the final effluents of the wastewater treatment plant indicating that pRSB101-like plasmids are released with the final effluents into the environment.

A Second Tylosin Resistance Determinant, Erm B, in Arcanobacterium pyogenes

Arcanobacterium pyogenes, a common inhabitant of the mucosal surfaces of livestock, is also a pathogen associated with a variety of infections. In livestock, A. pyogenes is exposed to antimicrobial agents used for prophylaxis and therapy, notably tylosin, a macrolide used extensively for the prevention of liver abscessation in feedlot cattle in the United States. Many, but not all, tylosin-resistant A. pyogenes isolates carry erm(X), suggesting the presence of other determinants of tylosin resistance. Oligonucleotide primers designed for conserved regions of erm(B), erm(C), and erm(T) were used to amplify a 404-bp fragment from a tylosin-resistant A. pyogenes isolate, OX-7. DNA sequencing revealed that the PCR product was 100% identical to erm(B) genes, and the erm(B) gene region was cloned in Escherichia coli. The A. pyogenes Erm B determinant had the most DNA identity with an Erm B determinant carried by the Clostridium perfringens plasmid pIP402. However, the A. pyogenes determinant lacked direct repeat DR1 and contained a deletion in DR2. Flanking the A. pyogenes erm(B) gene were partial and entire genes similar to those found on the Enterococcus faecalis multiresistance plasmid pRE25. This novel architecture suggests that the erm(B) element may have arisen by recombination of two distinct genetic elements. Ten of 32 tylosin-resistant isolates carried erm(B), as determined by DNA hybridization, and all 10 isolates carried a similar element. Insertion of the element was site specific, as PCR and Southern blotting analysis revealed that the erm(B) element was inserted into orfY, a gene of unknown function. However, in three strains, this insertion resulted in a partial duplication of orfY.

A novel putative enterococcal pathogenicity island linked to the esp virulence gene of Enterococcus faecium and associated with epidemicity.

Enterococcus faecalis harbors a virulence-associated surface protein encoded by the esp gene. This gene has been shown to be part of a 150-kb putative pathogenicity island. A gene similar to esp has recently been found in Enterococcus faecium isolates recovered from hospitalized patients. In the present study we analyzed the polymorphism in the esp gene of E. faecium, and we investigated the association of esp with neighboring chromosomal genes. The esp gene showed considerable sequence heterogeneity in the regions encoding the nonrepeat N- and C-terminal domains of the Esp protein as well as differences in the number of repeats. DNA sequencing of chromosomal regions flanking the esp gene of E. faecium revealed seven open reading frames, representing putative genes implicated in virulence, regulation of transcription, and antibiotic resistance. These flanking regions were invariably associated with the presence or absence of the esp gene in E. faecium, indicating that esp in E. faecium is part of a distinct genetic element. Because of the presence of virulence genes in this gene cluster, the lower G+C content relative to that of the genome, and the presence of esp in E. faecium isolates associated with nosocomial outbreaks and clinically documented infections, we conclude that this genetic element constitutes a putative pathogenicity island, the first one described in E. faecium. Except for the presence of esp and araC, this pathogenicity island is completely different from the esp-containing pathogenicity island previously disclosed in E. faecalis.

Molecular evolution of the pathogenicity island of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis strains.

Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) strains, which produce a 20-kDa zinc metalloprotease toxin (BFT), have been associated with diarrheal disease in animals and young children. Studying a collection of ETBF and nontoxigenic B. fragilis (NTBF) strains, we found that bft and a second metalloprotease gene (mpII) are contained in an approximately 6-kb pathogenicity island (termed B. fragilis pathogenicity island or BfPAI) which is present exclusively in all 113 ETBF strains tested (pattern I). Of 191 NTBF strains, 100 (52%) lack both the BfPAI and at least a 12-kb region flanking BfPAI (pattern II), and 82 of 191 NTBF strains (43%) lack the BfPAI but contain the flanking region (pattern III). The nucleotide sequence flanking the left end of the BfPAI revealed a region with the same organization as the mobilization region of the 5-nitroimidazole resistance plasmid pIP417 and the clindamycin resistance plasmid pBFTM10, that is, two mobilization genes (bfmA and bfmB) organized in one operon and a putative origin of transfer (oriT) located in a small, compact region. The region flanking the right end of the BfPAI contains a gene (bfmC) whose predicted protein shares significant identity to the TraD mobilization proteins encoded by plasmids F and R100 from Escherichia coli. Nucleotide sequence analysis of one NTBF pattern III strain (strain I-1345) revealed that bfmB and bfmC are adjacent to each other and separated by a 16-bp GC-rich sequence. Comparison of this sequence with the appropriate sequence of ETBF strain 86-5443-2-2 showed that in this ETBF strain the 16-bp sequence is replaced by the BfPAI. This result defined the BfPAI as being 6,036 bp in length and its precise integration site as being between the bfmB and bfmC stop codons. The G+C content of the BfPAI (35%) and the flanking DNA (47 to 50%) differ greatly from that reported for the B. fragilis chromosome (42%), suggesting that the BfPAI and its flanking region are two distinct genetic elements originating from very different organisms. ETBF strains may have evolved by horizontal transfer of these two genetic elements into a pattern II NTBF strain.

Coordinate regulation of RAG1 and RAG2 by cell type-specific DNA elements 5' of RAG2.

RAG1 and RAG2 are essential for V(D)J recombination and lymphocyte development. These genes are thought to encode a transposase derived from a mobile genetic element that was inserted into the vertebrate genome 450 million years ago. The regulation of RAG1 and RAG2 was investigated in vivo with bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenes containing a fluorescent indicator. Coordinate expression of RAG1 and RAG2 in B and T cells was found to be regulated by distinct genetic elements found on the 5' side of the RAG2 gene. This observation suggests a mechanism by which asymmetrically disposed cis DNA elements could influence the expression of the primordial transposon and thereby capture RAGs for vertebrate evolution.

Definition of the single integration site of the pathogenicity locus in Clostridium difficile

We determined the nucleotide sequence 3.8 kb upstream and 5.2 kb downstream of the toxin genes A and B of Clostridium difficile. Nine ORFs were discovered. Based on PCR-directed approaches, two were attributed to the pathogenicity locus (PaLoc). The other seven were found in every C. difficile isolate obtained from the human gastrointestinal tract, respectless of their toxinogenicity. The ORFs cdul and cdu2/2′ upstream of the PaLoc displayed similarity to repressors of Gram-positive bacteria ( cdul), and to an Na +/H + antiporter described for Enterococcus hirae (cdu2/2'). Downstream of the locus a putative ABC transporter ( cdd2–4) was identified. With a set of three paired primers used in polymerase chain reactions we succeeded in delineating the PaLoc. Sequencing of the appropriate stretch of DNA in C. difficile VPI10463 and four additional toxinogenic strains proved a high conservation of the borders of the PaLoc in all these strains. Our data define the locus as a distinct genetic element. Comparing the sequences of five toxinogenic and five non-toxinogenic strains the integration site of the PaLoc was defined. This showed that a stretch of 115 bp found in non-toxinogenic strains is replaced by the 19-kb locus in toxinogenic strains. Analysis of the boundary sequences showed that the locus is obviously not a mobile genetic element by itself. Instead we propose that it is the independent pathogenic part of a more extended genetic element associated with virulence. The 115 bp of nontoxinogenic strains replaced by the locus in toxinogenic strains carry the putative transcription terminator of the cdul, a predicted repressor protein. A possible polar effect of the loss of this terminator on transcription of the TcdABCDE genes is discussed. Such an effect would explain the unidirectional insertion of the PaLoc at a single site of the C. difficile genome and might give a rationale for the development of the disease which is induced after antibiotical treatment.

Evolutionary perspective on a composite Shigella flexneri2a virulence plasmid-borne locus comprising three distinct genetic elements

Nucleotide sequence analysis of a Shigella flexneri 2a virulence plasmid-borne locus revealed that it comprised three distinct genetic elements: a stretch of colicin la/lb-linked sequence, a truncated IS 911 element, and a third element containing two ORFs that shared a high level of similarity to a Salmonella-specific chromosomal sequence. Examination of other known IS 911-like sequences showed that these sequences also were frequently associated with other accessory elements and appeared to be prone to partial deletion events. Analysis of the data led to a model of the evolution of this unusual composite locus.

AMINOGLYCOSIDE RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCAL ENDOCARDITIS

There are few well-documented cases of infective endocarditis due to highly aminoglycoside-resistant enterococci reported to date. Nevertheless, strains with high-level resistance to both streptomycin and gentamicin are now sufficiently common that the number of cases of endocarditis due to these organisms will undoubtedly continue to increase. Serious efforts to develop appropriate alternative treatment strategies are now clearly necessary. All high-level gentamicin-resistant bloodstream isolates from patients with suspected or proven endocarditis should be screened for high-level streptomycin resistance. Because these two resistance traits are mediated by distinct genetic elements, a significant minority of highly gentamicin-resistant enterococci will be susceptible to synergistic killing by combinations of cell wall-active antibiotics with streptomycin. For strains highly resistant to both aminoglycosides, there is no evidence of benefit from use of these toxic antimicrobials, and treatment with a cell wall-active agent alone is warranted. Based on older literature and animal models, perhaps as many as 40% to 50% of cases of enterococcal endocarditis might be curable by such regimens. Alternative combinations using a cell wall-active antibiotic together with a fluoroquinolone or rifampin cannot be specifically recommended based on any firm data from the literature, but possible merits of such combinations can be explored in vitro under appropriate circumstances. For ampicillin- and vancomycin-susceptible strains, ampicillin would seem preferable because this drug typically demonstrates greater bactericidal activity in vitro as a single agent. Consideration could be given to administration of ampicillin by continuous intravenous infusion. Several animal studies indicating effectiveness of penicillins for enterococcal endocarditis have used dosing regimens resulting in sustained serum levels. It is unknown whether these observations are relevant to human enterococcal infections. Testing for beta-lactamase production should be undertaken if penicillins are to be used. For strains that are resistant to achievable concentrations of penicillins, or when the patient is intolerant of beta-lactams, vancomycin can be used. In animal models, teicoplanin has appeared to be superior to vancomycin, but high concentrations must be attained. This drug is not yet approved for clinical use, however, and it is unclear if any advantage would exist in treatment of human infections. The recent emergence of enterococci which are resistant to glycopeptides has introduced another potential complicating factor; some of these are also substantially resistant to beta-lactams as well. In some reports, favorable interactions between vancomycin and beta-lactams have been observed against vancomycin-resistant strains.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Two spatially distinct genetic elements constitute a bipartite DNA replication origin in the minute virus of mice genome

Mutations were introduced into plasmid pMM984, a full-length infectious clone of the fibrotropic strain of minute virus of mice, to identify cis-acting genetic elements required for the excision and replication of the viral genome. The replicative capacity of these mutants was measured directly, using an in vivo transient DNA replication assay following transfection of plasmids into murine A9 cells and primate COS-7 cells. Experiments with subgenomic constructs indicated that both viral termini must be present on the same DNA molecule for replication to occur and that the viral nonstructural protein NS-1 must be provided in trans. The necessary sequences were located within 1,084 and 807 nucleotides of the 3' and 5' ends of the minute virus of mice genome, respectively. The inhibitory effect of deletions within the 206-bp 5'-terminal palindrome demonstrated that these sequences comprise a cis-acting genetic element that is absolutely essential for the excision and replication of viral DNA. The results further indicated a requirement for a stem-plus-arms T structure as well as for the formation of a simple hairpin. In addition, the removal of one copy of a tandemly arranged 65-bp repeat found 94 nucleotides inboard of the 5'-terminal palindrome inhibited viral DNA replication in cis by 10- and just greater than 100-fold in A9 and COS-7 cells, respectively. The latter results define a novel genetic element within the 65-bp repeated sequence, distinct from the terminal palindrome, that is capable of regulating minute virus of mice DNA replication in a species-specific manner.

Genetic diversity of murine rheumatoid factors.

Anti-Ig autoantibodies (rheumatoid factors, RF) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of human and murine rheumatoid arthritis as well as in the regulation of normal immune responses. Their genetic origin, clonal diversity, and inducing agents, and the relatedness between RF associated with disease and those occurring under physiologic conditions are not well understood. In this study, the genetic and clonotypic origin of 34 monoclonal IgM RF-secreting hybridomas from arthritic MRL-lpr/lpr and nonarthritic MRL-+/+ and C57BL/6-lpr/lpr mice was examined by RNA hybridization. For this purpose, we used probes for 10 VH and 13 Vk gene families as well as all JH and Jk gene segments. The majority of hybridomas expressed distinct Ig gene segment patterns and, hence, were clonally unrelated. Overall, a variety of different V and J gene segments were expressed in the hybridoma panel, suggesting that a large number of distinct genetic elements participates in expression of RF-like activity. RF from arthritic mice expressed Vk messages from the overlapping Vk22 and Vk28 gene families more frequently than did those from nonarthritic mice. RF from autoimmune MRL mice, both arthritic MRL-lpr/lpr and nonarthritic MRL-+/+, showed skewed JH4 segment usage, whereas those from C57BL/6-lpr/lpr preferentially expressed JH2.

Involvement of multiple genetic determinants in high-level methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus

A methicillin-susceptible, novobiocin-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus (RN2677; methicillin MIC, 0.8 micrograms/ml) was transformed with DNA prepared from highly and homogeneously methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains (methicillin MIC, greater than or equal to 400 micrograms/ml) or from heterogeneous strains in which the majority of cells had a low level of resistance (methicillin MIC, 6.3 micrograms/ml). All methicillin-resistant transformants showed low and heterogeneous resistance (methicillin MIC, 3.1 micrograms/ml) irrespective of the resistance level of DNA donors. All transformants examined produced normal amounts of the low-affinity penicillin-binding protein (PBP) 2a, and methicillin resistance and the capacity to produce PBP 2a showed the same degree of genetic linkage to the novobiocin resistance marker with both homogeneous and heterogeneous DNA donors. Next, we isolated a methicillin-susceptible mutant from a highly and homogeneously resistant strain which had a Tn551 insertion near or within the PBP 2a gene and thus did not produce PBP 2a. With this mutant used as the recipient, genetic transformation of the methicillin resistance gene was repeated with DNA isolated either from highly and homogeneously resistant strains or from heterogeneous (low-resistance) strains. All transformants obtained expressed high and homogeneous resistance and produced PBP 2a irrespective of the resistance level of the DNA donors. Our findings suggest that (i) the methicillin resistance locus is identical to the structural gene for PBP 2a, (ii) although the ability to produce PBP 2a is essential for resistance, the MICs for the majority of cells are not related to the cellular concentration of PBP 2a, and (iii) high MICs and homogeneous expression of resistance require the products of other distinct genetic elements as well.

Sequences capable of restoring poly(A) site function define two distinct downstream elements.

Several recent studies have shown that a functional poly(A) site consists of both an AAUAAA element as well as sequences downstream of the cleavage site. Two downstream regions were analyzed in an attempt to accurately locate and define the critical sequences. Chemically synthesized oligonucleotides of sequence from the early SV40 and the adenovirus E2A poly(A) sites were able to restore efficient cleavage to a deleted SV40 poly(A) site. Inversion of the sequence completely abolished poly(A) site function. A series of base substitution mutants were generated in each downstream sequence. Certain single base changes drastically altered poly(A) site function. Thus, it is concluded that a defined downstream sequence of limited complexity is important for efficient processing of the primary transcript at the poly(A) site. The position of the downstream elements relative to the AAUAAA and cleavage site was found to be critical since moving either the E2 element or the SV40 element an additional 40 nucleotides downstream abolished function. There were differences, however, in the effect of spacing on the function of the two elements. This observation, along with the fact that the two sequences are clearly different, indicates that there are at least two distinct genetic elements that direct efficient cleavage at the poly(A) site.