AMPLIFICATION OF BACITRACIN TRANSPORTER GENES IN THE BACITRACIN PRODUCING BACILLUS-LICHENIFORMIS

We have amplified the previously cloned and sequenced genes of the bac itracin exporter (bcr), a member of the ATP-binding transport protein family, within the chromosome of the bacitracin producing Bacillus lic heniformis. Amplification of the transporter genes was followed by gre atly increased bacitracin resistance. Antibiotic production was enhanc ed at a low level of bcr genes amplification. An enlarged increase in the copy number of the bcr genes negatively affects the overall growth of bacteria.