Plasmid transfer in Pediococcus spp.: intergeneric and intrageneric transfer of pIP501

Abstract

Transfer of the broad-host-range resistance plasmid pIP501 from Streptococcus faecalis to Pediococcus pentosaceus and Pediococcus acidilactici occurred between cells immobilized on nitrocellulose filters in the presence of DNase. Expression of the pIP501-linked erythromycin and chloramphenicol resistance determinants was observed in transconjugants. Intrageneric transfer of pIP501 from a P. pentosaceus donor to various pediococcal recipients occurred at frequencies of 10(-4) to 10(-7) transconjugants per input donor cell. Intergeneric transfer of plasmid pIP501 from P. pentosaceus to S. faecalis, Streptococcus sanguis (Challis), and Streptococcus lactis was observed. Similar mating experiments showed no evidence for the transfer of the broad-host-range R-plasmid pAM beta 1 to Pediococcus spp. recipients.

Evidence for the conjugal transfer of the broad host range plasmid pIP501 into strains of Lactobacillus helveticus

“…The results described confirm earlier reports (Gonzalez & Kunka 1983), that plasmid pIP501 and its derivatives can be transferred conjugally between different species of mesophilic streptococci. Transfer of plasmid pIP501 to the thermophilic species Strep.…”

“…plantarum to Streptococcus lactis. Similarly, Gonzalez k Kunka (1983) were able to demonstrate the transfer of plasmid pIP501 from Pediococcus pentosaceus to streptococci. By contrast, conjugal transfer of plasmid PAM81 from Strep.faecalis into Pediococcus spp.…”

Genetics of bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria

“…Attempts to genetically transfer Ped + lmm + via conjugation or to introduce pMD136 by electroporation have failed [141]. Since electroporation systems have been reported in pediococci [142][143][144], failure to transfer pMD136 and express Ped + suggests that pediocin A biosynthesis may require complex maturation and processing systems that are not genetically clustered or encoded within pMD136. Similar difficulties are encountered with nisin if nisA clones are intro-duced into recipients without a full complement of maturation and processing enzymes [131].…”

Looking backward and forward at the practical applications of genetic researches on lactic acid bacteria

“…Together they reduce nitrate, dissipate hydrogen peroxide, and contribute to flavor by protease and lipase activities. Plasmids in pediococci were reported first by Gonzalez and Kunka [164] and then by others [165][166][167]. Properties encoded for by these plasmids include bacteriocin production, raffinose and sucrose utilization.…”

“…Properties encoded for by these plasmids include bacteriocin production, raffinose and sucrose utilization. Plasmid transfer among pediococcal species and to enterococcal and lactic streptococci also has been reported [164] but not cloning with chimeric vectors. These organisms will be useful gene donors and recipients in future experiments and are the object of continuing research (C.F.…”