Dybvig K, Cassell G H
Science. 1987 Mar 13;235(4794):1392-4. doi: 10.1126/science.3029869.
Mycoplasma genetics has been limited by a lack of genetic tools such as selectable markers, methods to transfer DNA, and suitable vectors for cloning. Studies were undertaken to examine the potential of using the streptococcal transposon Tn916 as a mycoplasma genetic tool. The Escherichia coli plasmid pAM120, which contains Tn916, was transformed into Acholeplasma laidlawii and Mycoplasma pulmonis. Transposition of Tn916 into the mycoplasma chromosome apparently occurred by an excision-insertion mechanism. This example shows that newly introduced DNA from other bacteria can be successfully expressed in mycoplasma and that Tn916 should serve as a powerful genetic tool for the study of mycoplasmas.
支原体遗传学一直受到缺乏遗传工具的限制，如选择标记、DNA转移方法和合适的克隆载体。开展了相关研究以检验使用链球菌转座子Tn916作为支原体遗传工具的潜力。含有Tn916的大肠杆菌质粒pAM120被转化到莱氏无胆甾原体和肺炎支原体中。Tn916显然通过一种切除-插入机制转座到支原体染色体中。这个例子表明，来自其他细菌的新引入DNA能够在支原体中成功表达，并且Tn916应成为研究支原体的有力遗传工具。
