Part:BBa_K2259088

ColE1 replicon (Deactivated RNA I, placed next to RNA II)

This is a ColE1 replicon with knocked-out RNA I promoter. A copy of RNA I is then placed next to RNA II.

This construct acts as a RNA I promoter knock-out control. When RNA I promoter is disabled, plasmid copy number increases dramatically (1000-2000 copies per cell). It is difficult to tell if RNA I promoter is disabled completely, because the measurements at run-away replication are not precise enough. Yet, if RNA I gene copy is placed next to knocked-out origin of replication and the plasmid copy number goes down to wildtype amounts, we can say with certainty RNA I promoter is completely disabled.

See how this part fits into the whole SynORI framework by pressing here!

Sequence and Features

Assembly Compatibility:

• 10
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[10]
• 12
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[12]
• 21
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[21]
• 23
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[23]
• 25
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[25]
• 1000
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[1000]

Introduction

Biology

ColE1 plasmid replication overview

Figure 1. Main principles of ColE1 plasmid family replication. (Citation needed)

ColE1-type plasmid replication begins with synthesis of plasmid encoded RNA II (also called primer transcript) by RNA polymerase which initiates transcription at a site 555bp upstream of origin of replication. The RNA transcript forms a RNA - DNA hybrid with template DNA near the origin of replication. Hybridized RNA is then cleaved at the replication origin by RNAse H and serves as a primer for DNA synthesis by DNA polymerase I (Figure 1. A).

Initiation of replication can be inhibited by plasmid encoded small RNA, called RNA I . Synthesis of RNA I starts 445 bp upstream of the replication origin and proceeds in the direction opposite to that of RNA II synthesis, and terminates near the RNA II transcription initiation site. RNA I binds to RNA II and thereby prevents formation of a secondary structure of RNA II that is necessary for hybridization of RNA II to the template DNA (Figure 1. B).

For RNA I to inhibit primer formation, it must bind before the nascent RNA II transcript extends to the replication origin. Consequently, the concentration of RNA I and the rate of binding of RNA I to RNA II is critical for regulation of primer formation and thus for plasmid replication.

Interaction between RNA I and RNA II can be amplified by Rop protein, see part:BBa_K2259010.

Usage with SynORI (Framework for multi-plasmid systems)

About SynORI

SynORI is a framework for multi-plasmid systems created by Vilnius-Lithuania 2017 which enables quick and easy workflow with multiple plasmids, while also allowing to freely pick and modulate copy number for every unique plasmid group! Read more about [http://2017.igem.org/Team:Vilnius-Lithuania SynORI here]!

Purpose of this construct in SynORI framework development

This construct acts as a RNA I promoter knock-out control. When RNA I promoter is disabled, plasmid copy number increases dramatically (1000-2000 copies per cell). It is difficult to tell if RNA I promoter is disabled completely, because the measurements at run-away replication are not precise enough. Yet, if RNA I gene copy is placed next to knocked-out origin of replication and the plasmid copy number goes down to wildtype amounts, we can say with certainty RNA I promoter is completely disabled.