Genetics and Biochemistry of Antibiotic Production


Book Description

* Emphasizes the molecular genetics of antibiotic production * Provides the latest information on the organization of genes encoding the biosynthetic pathway * Explores the mechanisms governing their expression and regulation * Examines the role of resistance genes in protecting organisms from their own lethal products Genetics and Biochemistry of Antibiotic Production brings together the most up-to-date information on the genetic and biochemical mechanisms involved in antibiotic production. A collection of internationally recognized authors provide the latest information on the organization, function and regulation of genes responsible for antibiotic synthesis in a range of bacteria. This unique book groups antibiotics according to their biosynthetic affiliation, providing a background into evolutionary relationships while raising intriguing questions about the raison d'etre of antibiotics in nature.




Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance


Book Description

Antibiotics represent one of the most successful forms of therapy in medicine. But the efficiency of antibiotics is compromised by the growing number of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Antibiotic resistance, which is implicated in elevated morbidity and mortality rates as well as in the increased treatment costs, is considered to be one of the major global public health threats (www.who.int/drugresistance/en/) and the magnitude of the problem recently prompted a number of international and national bodies to take actions to protect the public (http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/health_consumer/docs/road-map-amr_en.pdf: http://www.who.int/drugresistance/amr_global_action_plan/en/; http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/carb_national_strategy.pdf). Understanding the mechanisms by which bacteria successfully defend themselves against the antibiotic assault represent the main theme of this eBook published as a Research Topic in Frontiers in Microbiology, section of Antimicrobials, Resistance, and Chemotherapy. The articles in the eBook update the reader on various aspects and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. A better understanding of these mechanisms should facilitate the development of means to potentiate the efficacy and increase the lifespan of antibiotics while minimizing the emergence of antibiotic resistance among pathogens.







Experimental Manipulation of Gene Expression


Book Description

Experimental Manipulation of Gene Expression discusses a wide range of host systems in which to clone and express a gene of interest. The aims are for readers to quickly learn the versatility of the systems and obtain an overview of the technology involved in the manipulation of gene expression. Furthermore, it is hoped that the reader will learn enough from the various approaches to be able to develop systems and to arrange for a gene of particular interest to express in a particular system. The book opens with a chapter on the design and construction of a plasmid vector system used to achieve high-level expression of a particular phage regulatory protein normally found in minute amounts in a phage-infected bacterial cell. This is followed by separate chapters on topics such as high-level expression vectors that utilize efficient Escherichia coli lipoprotein promoter as well as various other portions of the lipoprotein gene Ipp; DNA cloning systems for streptomycetes; and the design and application of vectors for high-level, inducible synthesis of the product of a cloned gene in yeast.




Biological, Biochemical, and Biomedical Aspects of Actinomycetes


Book Description

Biological, Biochemical, and Biomedical Aspects of Actinomycetes documents the proceedings of the V International Symposium on Actinomycetes Biology held in Oaxtepec, Morelos, Mexico, 16-19 August 1982. This volume contains 45 chapters and opens with a paper on the pathogenesis of Actinomyces israelii. Separate chapters follow on the incidence, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of actinomycotic infections; the mechanisms by which A. viscosus can adhere to tooth surfaces; the host response to Actinomyces viscosus Ny1; the cell wall as determinant of pathogenicity in Nocardia; and medical and microbiological problems in human actinomycoses. Subsequent chapters deal with topics such as chemistry of the of the rodlet mosaic fiber portion of the Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) sheath, but also the presence of chitin in S. bambergiensis (hairy spores); lipids of mycobacteria, nocardiae, and rhodococci; genetic determination of antibiotics coded by plasmids; the morphology and ultrastructure of Pilimelia; and the ecology of streptomycete phage in soil.




Assessing Ecological Risks of Biotechnology


Book Description

Assessing Ecological Risks of Biotechnology presents a comprehensive analysis of ecological risk assessment for biotechnology as viewed predominantly by scientists doing research in this area, but also by regulators, philosophers, and research managers. The emphasis is on the ecological risks associated with the release of genetically engineered organisms into the environment. The book contains 17 chapters that are organized into four parts. Part I discusses the ecological experience gained from previous biological introductions. Part II explores the ecology and the genetics of microbial communities. Emphasis is given to the transport of microorganisms since one of the major ecological concerns about biotechnology is the danger of the spread of genetically engineered organisms to ecosystems other than the one to which they are released. Part III reviews mathematical models that can be used for ecological risk assessment at four different levels. Part IV concerns the regulation of biotechnology, current research trends, and social values.




Biology of Methylotrophs


Book Description

Biology of Methylotrophs introduces the reader to the study of methylotrophs - microorganisms that use reduced one-carbon compounds for growth. The book is divided into five parts. Part I covers the taxonomy, morphology, and ultrastructure of methylotrophic bacteria. Part II discusses the processes involved in their growth and metabolism. Part III talks about the possible applications of methylotrophs and their enzymes in industrial fields as well as chemistry. Part IV deals with the molecular genetics and the gene expression of methylotrophs, and Part V deals with their habitat and role in the environment. The text is recommended for microbiologists who would like to be acquainted with the subject or make further studies about methylotrophs.




Biotechnology of Antibiotics and Other Bioactive Microbial Metabolites


Book Description

In response to the field's need for an introductory text, the authors have distilled the vast and scattered literature relating to the biotechnology of microbial secondary metabolites. General biology, biosynthesis, the search for novel metabolites, and techniques for strain improvement are all discussed to provide undergraduate and graduate students with a concise, readable overview of the field.




Genetics and Breeding of Industrial Microorganisms


Book Description

This text provides a clear exposition of genetic principles and problems with comprehensive, up-to-date references. Specialists who have collaborated closely with industry give an inside authentic view of the genetics and breeding of industrial microorganisms such as yeasts, filamentous fungi, actinomycetes, pseudomonads, and other bacteria of major industrial significance. This book will be especially valuable to many professionals in the field of microbial genetics.