| abstract |
Provided herein are genetically modified microbes. In one embodiment, a genetically modified microbe includes an exogenous polynucleotide that includes a pheromone-responsive region. In one embodiment, the pheromone-responsive region is derived from a conjugative plasmid from a member of the genus Enterococcus spp. The pheromone-responsive region includes a pheromone-responsive promoter and an operably linked coding region encoding an antimicrobial peptide. In one embodiment, a genetically modified microbe includes an exogenous polynucleotide that includes a promoter and an operably linked coding sequence encoding an antimicrobial peptide, where expression of the coding region is controlled by a modulator polypeptide and is altered by a modulating agent, and where the coding region encodes an antimicrobial peptide. Also provided herein are methods of using the genetically modified microbes, including methods for inhibiting growth of an Enterococcus spp., a pathogenic E. coli, or a pathogenic Salmonella spp., for treating a subject, and for modifying a subject's gastrointestinal microflora. |