Using synthetic biology methods, Scarab Genomics made a series of planned, precise deletions to the Escherichia coli K-12 genome, reducing the genome by about 15%. The multiple-deletion series (MDS) strains eliminate non-essential genes, cryptic virulence genes, and sequences for recombinogenic and mobile insertion sequence DNA, while preserving growth in rich and minimal media. Genome reduction results in genomic and plasmid stability, high transformation efficiency, and improved E. coli metabolic efficiency.
Published in Drug Discovery & Development magazine: Vol. 11, No. 12, December, 2008, p.31.
Filed Under: Drug Discovery
