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The aggregation-mediated conjugation system of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis: Host range and kinetics of transfer

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Abstract

The aggregation-mediated conjugation system in Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis encoded on the plasmid pXO16 is characterized by the formation of aggregates when Agr+ and Agr- cells are socialized in exponential growth. Using the aggregation phenotypes, we have identified potential recipients of the aggregation-plasmid pXO16 among Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus sphaericus, and 24 subspecies of B. thuringiensis. We found 14 Agr- strains, i.e., potential recipients of the aggregation system encoded by plasmid pXO16. Five strains contained a conjugative apparatus of their own and were excluded from further examinations. To monitor the transfer of plasmid pXO16, we constructed a transposon insertion of the plasmid with Tn5401. The study of the plasmid transfer of pXO16::Tn5401 indicated the secretion of bacteriocins from both donor strain and recipient strains. Only one out of the nine strains examined was unable to receive the aggregation-plasmid pXO16 and express the aggregation phenotype and the conjugative abilities. It was found that the transfer of plasmid pXO16 to Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis Agr- strains was 100%. All recipients had acquired the aggregation-plasmid pXO16 and converted to the Agr+ phenotype.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Toxicology and Biology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Gert B. Jensen, Lars Andrup, Andrea Wilcks, Lasse Smidt & Otto M. Poulsen

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  1. Gert B. Jensen
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  2. Lars Andrup
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  3. Andrea Wilcks
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  4. Lasse Smidt
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  5. Otto M. Poulsen
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Jensen, G.B., Andrup, L., Wilcks, A. et al. The aggregation-mediated conjugation system of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis: Host range and kinetics of transfer. Current Microbiology 33, 228–236 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002849900105

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002849900105

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