Summary
For the purpose of enhancing cellulose digestion in the rumen, we have begun a project to introduce cellulase genes into non-cellulolytic rumen bacteria. Five distinct endoglucanase genes have been cloned, from the species Ruminococcus albus, R. flavefaciens and Bacteroides succinogenes. In addition, two xylanase genes have been cloned from B. ruminicola brevis and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, for the purpose of obtaining nutrient regulated gene promoters that function in those potential recipient species. DNA transfer vectors have been constructed using a plasmid from B. fibrisolvens and are being tested for their ability to transform that species.
An important finding is that a single phenotypicalfy characterized species of rumen bacterium may consist of a number of genetically distinct strains. Hydridization analysis has shown that B. ruminicola brevis and B. fibrisolvens isolates can be divided into distinct subgroups. The importance of these sub-divisions, to the transfer of genetic material, is being investigated.
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© 1988 Chapman & Hall, London & New York
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Gregg, K. (1988). Genetic Engineering of Rumen Bacteria. In: Rogers, G.E., Reis, P.J., Ward, K.A., Marshall, R.C. (eds) The Biology of Wool and Hair. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-9702-1_29
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-9702-1_29
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