The sgp gene modulates stress responses of Streptococcus mutans: utilization of an antisense RNA strategy to investigate essential gene functions.
The sgp gene from Streptococcus mutans has been previously isolated, characterized, and demonstrated to encode a G-protein. In order to investigate the function of this gene, a novel antisense RNA strategy was developed. Expression of sgp antisense RNA in Escherichia coli led to transient inhibition of growth. In addition, sgp antisense RNA expression in S. mutans resulted in decreased growth under environmental stress conditions (44 degrees C, acidic pH, and high osmolarity). Therefore, these results suggest that the sgp gene plays a role in modulating the stress responses of S. mutans. This approach could be applicable for investigating the function of essential genes in other organisms for which mutants are not available.
Sato
T
T
Department of Oral Biology, State University of New York at Buffalo 14214, USA.
Wu
J
J
Kuramitsu
H
H
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D005798:Genes, Bacterial / Q000502:physiology*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D016372:RNA, Antisense / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D016372:RNA, Antisense; C094290:SGP protein protein, Streptococcus mutans; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins