Functional characterization of Tn4401, a Tn3-based transposon involved in blaKPC gene mobilization

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2011 Nov;55(11):5370-3. doi: 10.1128/AAC.05202-11. Epub 2011 Aug 15.

Abstract

The carbapenemase gene bla(KPC), which is rapidly spreading worldwide, is located on a Tn3-based transposon, Tn4401. In a transposition-conjugation assay, Tn4401 was able to mobilize bla(KPC-2) gene at a frequency of 4.4 × 10(-6)/recipient cell. A 5-bp target site duplication was evidenced upon each insertion without target site specificity. This study demonstrated that Tn4401 is an active transposon capable of mobilizing bla(KPC) genes at high frequency.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics*
  • DNA Transposable Elements / genetics*
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / enzymology
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / genetics
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • beta-Lactamases / genetics*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • beta-Lactamases
  • carbapenemase