Genetic and Physiological Studies of Bacillus anthracis Related to Development of An Improved Vaccine
Abstract
The primary objective of the research is to gain information and develop genetic systems that will contribute to development of an improved vaccine for anthrax. During the year represented by this report our research concentrated largely on (i) transposon mutagenesis in Bacillus anthracis with the transposition selection vector pTV1; (ii) further physical and genetic characterization of phase TP21, which is active on B. anthracis and whose prophage exists as a plasmid, and exploration of its potential as a vehicle for transposon mutagenesis; and (III) further characterization of the conjugative plasmid, pLS20, of Bacillus subtilis (natto) and its ability to transfer plasmids among strains of B. anthracis, B. cereus, B. subtilis, and B. thruingiensis. To analyze the 184-kb B. anthracis toxin plasmid pX01 genetically and physically, mutants were generated by transposing the MLS resistance transposon Tn917 to pX01. Tn917 inserted more frequently into pX01 than into the chromosome. Restriction analyses of several transposants showed that Tn917 inserted into the plasmid at a number of different sites. Deletions, probably mediated by Tn917, occurred in some of the pX01::Tn917 derivatives. Other deletions were generated by transductional shortening usng the generalized transducing phase CP-51.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA213238
Entities
People
- Curtis B. Thorne
Organizations
- University of Massachusetts Amherst