Use of an Escherichia coli beta-glucuronidase gene as a reporter gene for investigation of Bacteroides promoters

We have constructed transcriptional fusion vectors for use in Bacteroides spp., a genus of gram-negative obligate anaerobes found in high numbers in the human colon. The reporter group in these vectors is a promoterless beta-glucuronidase gene from Escherichia coli (uidA). Two of the vectors (pMJF-2 and pMJF-3) replicate in Bacteroides spp. The third, pCQW-1, does not replicate in Bacteroides spp. and can be used to introduce E. coli beta-glucuroindase fusions into the Bacteroides chromosome.