LldI, a Plasmid-Encoded Type I Restriction and Modification System inLactococcus Lactis

A plasmid-encoded type I restriction and modification (R-M) system, designated LldI, was identified in Lactococcus lactis biovar diacetylactis LD10-1. LldI consists of three genes encoding endonuclease, methylase and specificity subunits, respectively. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the three genes are co-transcribed as a polycistronic mRNA in L. lactis. The specificity subunit of LldI differs significantly in the target recognition domains from those of other type I R-M systems, suggesting that LldI confers a novel specificity in L. lactis.