Estimation of the relative abundance of different Bacteroides and Prevotella ribotypes in gut samples by restriction enzyme profiling of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene sequences

Article Abstract:

A study described an approach for determining the genetic composition of Bacteroides and Prevotella populations in gut contents based on selective amplification of 16S rRNA gene sequences followed by cleavage of the amplified material with restriction enzymes. The contributions of various ribotypes to total Bacteroides and Prevotella 16S rDNA were estimated followed by the estimation of the contribution of the sequences to total eubacterial 16S rDNA. The approach was found to be a rapid, convenient and widely applicable method for comparing the genotypic composition of bacterial populations in gut samples.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

Fate of free DNA and transformation of the oral bacterium Streptococcus gordonii DL1 by plasmid DNA in human saliva

Article Abstract:

The survival of free DNA in human saliva and its degradation have been studied by using competitive polymerase chain reaction. The free DNA is a 520-bp target sequence from a recombinant plasmid, pVACMC1, after the admixture of the plasmid with freshly-sample human saliva. Results reveal that the plasmid DNA that has been exposed to degradation by human saliva can transform naturally-competent Streptococcus gordonii DL1 to erythromycin resistance. The transformation decreased rapidly with a half-life of 50 seconds.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

A xylan hydrolase gene cluster in Prevotella ruminicola B1(4): sequence relationships, synergistic interactions, and oxygen sensitivity of a novel enzyme with Exoxylanase and beta-(1,4)-xylosidase activities

Article Abstract:

The XynB enzyme in Prevotella ruminicola B14, a ruminal anaerobe, appears to be an oxygen-senstive exoxylanase whose sequence homology to two beta-xylosidases establishes a new family of beta-(1,4)-glycosidases. The xynB gene is closely linked to xynA, which encodes an endoxylanase, and the two enzyme products appear to act in synergy in releasing reducing sugars from oat spelt xylan.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code: