1887

Abstract

Inactivation of the gene encoding DNA adenine methylase () has been shown to attenuate some pathogens such as serovar Typhimurium and is a lethal mutation in others such as strain YPIII. In this study the methylase gene in strain IP32953 was inactivated. Unlike the wild-type, DNA isolated from the mutant could be digested with I, which is consistent with an altered pattern of DNA methylation. The mutant was sensitive to bile salts but not to 2-aminopurine. The effect of inactivation on gene expression was examined using a DNA microarray. In BALB/c mice inoculated orally or intravenously with the mutant, the median lethal dose (MLD) was at least 10-fold higher than the MLD of the wild-type. BALB/c mice inoculated with the mutant were protected against a subcutaneous challenge with 100 MLDs of strain GB and an intravenous challenge with 300 MLDs of IP32953.

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2005-06-01
2024-03-28
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