A Toolbox forNeisseria meningitidis: Gene Editing, Complementation and Labelling

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe efficient transformation ofNeisseria meningitidisandNeisseria gonorrhoeaefacilitates the rapid construction of bacterial mutants with insertion of antibiotic resistance cassettes. However, this strategy limits the construction of strains with multiple mutations. Recent advances in markerless strategies forNeisseriaspecies have enabled the construction of mutants without antibiotic resistance markers. However, these innovative approaches have potential limitations related to the selection strategy or the possible occurrence of spontaneous mutations in the selection marker genes. In addition, complementation tools or labelling strategies forN. meningitidisare also lacking. In this study, we have introduced new tools for markerless mutation, genetic complementation and labelling inN. meningitidis, thus improving the research possibilities for understanding and tackling these pathogens.