Genetic Modification of Teredinibacter turnerae, an Endosymbiont with Biotechnological Potential

Teredinibacter turnerae belongs to a group of biotechnologically relevant bacteria. Gene transfer into T. turnerae was achieved by using pPROBE′-gfp[ASV] derived plasmids through conjugative mating with Escherichia coli DH5α pRK2073. Transferred plasmids were stably maintained and T. turnerae could also act as a donor to transfer these mobilizable plasmids. Constructs for both constitutive and IPTG-inducible gene expression were obtained, representing new tools for gene overexpression in T. turnerae.