Detection of Heavy Metal Resistance Genes in an Environmental Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolate

Aim: To detect heavy metals resistance genes in an environmental Pseudomonas aeruginoas (S 7) isolate.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, between January and March 2016.

Methodology: Detection of PcoR and CzcD genes involved in metal resistance by PCR. Cloning PCR products and insert the cloned genes into E. coli XL1-Blue. A PCR screening of the two genes was performed on E. coli XL1-Blue to confirm the detection of the two genes and finally amplified cloned PcoR and CzcDgenes were sequenced for further confirmation.

Results: Using primers PcoR and CzcD, two PCR products of 636 bp and 389 bp respectively were detected in P. aeruginosa (S 7). A PCR screening of E. coli XL1-Blue that served as host for the cloned PCR products gave a 636 bp amplification with primer PcoR and a 389 bp amplification with primer CzcD. The inserted genes in E. coli XL-1 Blue were sequenced and confirmed the presence of PcoR and CzcD genes.

Conclusion: The Pseudomonas aeruginosa (S 7) isolate reported in this study that showed remarkable tolerance to heavy metals by possessing genes involved in two types of efflux systems (P-type ATPase and Cation Diffusion Facilitator), may requires further investigation for its genetic structure and capability to be used in bioremediation of metals-contaminated environments.