Bacteriophage-mediated spread of bacterial virulence genes

Penadés, J. R. , Chen, J., Quiles, N., Carpena, N. and Novick, R. P. (2015) Bacteriophage-mediated spread of bacterial virulence genes. Current Opinion in Microbiology, 23, pp. 171-178. (doi: 10.1016/j.mib.2014.11.019) (PMID:25528295)

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Abstract

Bacteriophages are types of viruses that infect bacteria. They are the most abundant and diverse entities in the biosphere, and influence the evolution of most bacterial species by promoting gene transfer, sometimes in unexpected ways. Although pac-type phages can randomly package and transfer bacterial DNA by a process called generalized transduction, some mobile genetic elements have developed elegant and sophisticated strategies to hijack the phage DNA-packaging machinery for their own transfer. Moreover, phage-like particles (gene transfer agents) have also evolved, that can package random pieces of the producing cell's genome. The purpose of this review is to give an overview of some of the various ways by which phages and phage-like particles can transfer bacterial genes, driving bacterial evolution and promoting the emergence of novel pathogens.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Penades, Prof Jose R and Carpena Garcia, Miss Nuria and Quiles, Miss Nuria
Authors: Penadés, J. R., Chen, J., Quiles, N., Carpena, N., and Novick, R. P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Current Opinion in Microbiology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:1369-5274
ISSN (Online):1879-0364

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
660771Molecular biology of the PICIs, a novel and widespread family of mobile genetic elements involved in bacterial virulenceJose R PenadesMedical Research Council (MRC)MR/M003876/1RI INFECTION IMMUNITY & INFLAMMATION
660772Molecular biology of the PICIs, a novel and widespread family of mobile genetic elements involved in bacterial virulenceJose R PenadesMedical Research Council (MRC)MR/M003876/1RI INFECTION IMMUNITY & INFLAMMATION