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  • Expanding the capabilities of MuGENT for large-scale genetic engineering of the fastest-replicating species, Vibrio natriegens
Title: Expanding the capabilities of MuGENT for large-scale genetic engineering of the fastest-replicating species, Vibrio natriegens
ABSTRACT The fastest replicating bacteriumVibrio natriegensis a rising workhorse for molecular and biotechnological research with established tools for efficient genetic manipulation. Here, we expand on the capabilities of multiplex genome editing by natural transformation (MuGENT) by identifying a neutral insertion site and showing how two selectable markers can be swapped at this site for sequential rounds of natural transformation. Second, we demonstrated that MuGENT can be used for complementation by gene insertion at an ectopic chromosomal locus. Additionally, we developed a robust method to cure the competence plasmid required to induce natural transformation. Finally, we demonstrated the ability of MuGENT to create massive deletions; the 280 kb deletion created in this study is one of the largest artificial deletions constructed in a single round of targeted mutagenesis of a bacterium. These methods each advance the genetic potential ofV. natriegensand collectively expand upon its utility as an emerging model organism for synthetic biology. IMPORTANCEVibrio natriegensis an emerging model organism for molecular and biotechnological applications. Its fast growth, metabolic versatility, and ease of genetic manipulation provide an ideal platform for synthetic biology. Here, we develop and apply novel methods that expand the genetic capabilities of theV. natriegensmodel system. Prior studies developed a method to manipulate multiple regions of the chromosome in a single step. Here, we provide new resources that diversify the utility of this method. We also provide a technique to remove the required genetic tools from the cell once the manipulation is performed, thus establishing “clean” derivative cells. Finally, we show the full extent of this technique’s capability by generating one of the largest chromosomal deletions reported in the literature. Collectively, these new tools will be beneficial broadly to theVibriocommunity and specifically to the advancement ofV. natriegensas a model system.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2023680
PAR ID:
10528746
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Editor(s):
Cardona, Silvia T
Publisher / Repository:
ASM
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Microbiology Spectrum
Volume:
12
Issue:
6
ISSN:
2165-0497
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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