Random insertional mutagenesis of Leptospira interrogans, the agent of leptospirosis, using a mariner transposon.
The recent availability of the complete genome sequences of Leptospira interrogans, the agent of leptospirosis, has allowed the identification of several putative virulence factors. However, to our knowledge, attempts to carry out gene transfer in pathogenic Leptospira spp. have failed so far. In this study, we show that the Himar1 mariner transposon permits random mutagenesis in the pathogen L. interrogans. We have identified genes that have been interrupted by Himar1 insertion in 35 L. interrogans mutants. This approach of transposon mutagenesis will be useful for understanding the spirochetal physiology and the pathogenic mechanisms of Leptospira, which remain largely unknown.
Bourhy
Pascale
P
Laboratoire des Spirochètes, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France.
Louvel
Hélène
H
Saint Girons
Isabelle
I
Picardeau
Mathieu
M
D004251:DNA Transposable Elements; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D007921:Leptospira interrogans / Q000235:genetics*; D007922:Leptospirosis / Q000382:microbiology; D016254:Mutagenesis, Insertional / Q000379:methods*
D004251:DNA Transposable Elements; D004269:DNA, Bacterial