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(Ribosomal RNA-Operon Deletion Strains) A Novel rrn Operon Altered Bacterium and Uses Thereof

Technology Benefits

The ability of prokaryotic organisms to survive and develop single and multi-drug resistance has been observed from the earliest use of the first antimicrobial agents. This invention provides a simple genetic system with rRNA genes that can elucidate the molecular mechanism of translation and would reveal novel and highly specific targets for antibiotic drug compounds.

Technology Application

This invention provides a method for identifying compounds, e.g., antibiotics or antimicrobials by selecting the compound capable of inhibiting proliferation of an antibiotic resistant rrn operon alter bacterium. This could also be applied to multi-drug resistant rrn operon alter bacterium.

Detailed Technology Description

A mutational analysis of rRNA is essential for elucidating the molecular mechanism of translation, but has been hindered in prokaryotes and eukaryotes by the repetitive nature of genes. Researchers at Tufts University have developed a simple genetic system for studying ribosomes using the extensively characterized rRNA genes of E. coli. The system consists of an E. coli strain with all chromosomal rRNA operons inactivated and a plasmid carrying a single rRNA operon. It has been demonstrated that homogenous mutant rRNA molecules are expressed in this strain from the plasmid-borne operon and that cellular rRNA species can be manipulated by exchanging rRNA plasmids. The team has also succeeded in generating pure hybrid ribosome populations in vivo with E. coli ribosomal proteins and foreign rRNA molecules.

*Abstract

A mutational analysis of rRNA is essential for elucidating the molecular mechanism of translation, but has been hindered in prokaryotes and eukaryotes by the repetitive nature of genes. Researchers at Tufts University have developed a simple genetic system for studying ribosomes using the extensively characterized rRNA genes of E. coli. The system consists of an E. coli strain with all chromosomal rRNA operons inactivated and a plasmid carrying a single rRNA operon. It has been demonstrated that homogenous mutant rRNA molecules are expressed in this strain from the plasmid-borne operon and that cellular rRNA species can be manipulated by exchanging rRNA plasmids. The team has also succeeded in generating pure hybrid ribosome populations in vivo with E. coli ribosomal proteins and foreign rRNA molecules.

Country/Region

USA