Molecular cloning and knockout mutation of rpoE gene of propionibacterium acnes

초록

Propionibacterium acens has been implicated in the acne vulgaris.1) The symtom is often treated by antibiotics which produces more resistance strain. Recently complete genome sequence of P. acnes was reported.2) The putative rpoE gene of 677bp, which encodes the extracytoplasmic stress response sigma factor, was cloned among variable putative protein coding genes. The rpoE gene is critically important for stress response and virulence in various pathogenic bacteria.3) The cloned rpoE gene contained a unique restriction site for HindIII. A plasmid pDE3 was constructed by inserting antibiotic cassette p34s-Tc into the HinsIII site4) resulting in a recombinant with tetracycline resistant gene. P. acnes DE3 of rpoE knockout mutant strain was compared with wild type in the response and sensitivity against various stress and antibiotics. Subsequently, we suggest that putative rpoE gene of P. acnes is implicated in stress respones and antibiotic resistance. As an ongoing work, we anticipate that the rpoE knockout mutant is used for treatment of skin trouble caused by P. acnes by cell replacement therapy.