Complete sequencing and analysis of pEN2701, a novel 13-kb plasmid from an endophytic Streptomyces sp.

A 12,855 bp cryptic plasmid was isolated from strains of an endophytic Streptomyces sp. over a wide geographical area in South Australia. This plasmid was completely sequenced and 13 putative ORFs were identified. Two of the ORFs may be involved in the regulation of host plant genes. ORF7 exhibited homology to a plant transcriptional regulatory protein and ORF1 was a homolog of a plant protein synthesis initiation factor. The plasmid appears to use a novel transfer mechanism for a Streptomyces plasmid. Pocks were detected during conjugative transfer and kor but not tra homologs could be identified. This structure and the sequence of the putative Kor protein are similar to the pFQ series of plasmids isolated from Frankia, another endophytic actinomycete. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.