# GENETIC FUNCTIONS OF CONJUGATIVE STREPTOCOCCAL R FACTOR

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 1989 · $83,131

## Abstract

The research involves a detailed analysis of the plasmid-mediated response
of certain Streptocococus faecalis cells to sex pheromones (termed clumping
inducing agents, or CIAs).  The proposed studies are based upon ongoing
studies using a conjugative, pheromone-responsive tetracycline resistance
plasmid called pCF-10 as a model.  During the proposed funding period,
experiments in three general categories will be done.  1) A collection of
mutant derivatives of the plasmid obtained during the current funding
period will be subjected to analysis of several phenotypic traits related
to drug resistance, pheromone response, and plasmid transfer.  Molecular
analysis of the DNA and the cell surface antigens determined by these
mutants will be carried out also.  2)  Recombinant DNA and transposon
mutagenesis techniques will be used to determine the minimum amount of DNA
necessary for a wild type pheromone response and plasmid transfer
phenotype.  3)  The ability of cloned fragments of the wild type plasmid to
compliment various mutant derivatives will be tested.  4) Regions of the
plasmid that contain important regulatory and structural genes will be
sequenced and the transcription of these regions in the presence and
absence of pheromone stimulation will be analyzed:  5) Biochemical,
immunological, and functional analyses of pheromone-induced antigens will
be continued.  This combined approach is designed to elucidate the genetic
control mechanisms and the biochemical nature of the pheromone response
process.  The results should improve our understanding of the continuing
spread of antibiotic resistance in streptococci.  This system is also a
useful model for studying intercellular chemical communication and the
bacterial cell surface.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3128680
- **Project number:** 7R01AI019310-07
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **SAM.gov UEI:** KABJZBBJ4B54
- **Principal Investigator:** GARY M DUNNY
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1989
- **Award amount:** $83,131
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 1982-08-01 → 1991-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3128680

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3128680, GENETIC FUNCTIONS OF CONJUGATIVE STREPTOCOCCAL R FACTOR (7R01AI019310-07). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3128680. Licensed CC0.

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