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Mercury resistance (mer) operons in enterobacteria
J L Hobman1, A M M Essa, N L Brown
1School of Biosciences, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. J.L.Hobman@bham.ac.uk
Biochemical Society Transactions
|August 28, 2002
Summary
This study explores the evolution of mercury resistance in bacteria, focusing on Tn21-related transposons in enterobacteria. These genetic elements share non-antibiotic resistance genes, suggesting common evolutionary pathways for mercury and antibiotic resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mercury resistance is a widespread trait in various bacterial genera.
- Transposons related to Tn21 are common in enterobacteria, conferring resistance to mercuric ions and antibiotics like streptomycin, spectinomycin, and sulfonamides.
- While Tn21-related transposons exhibit varied antibiotic resistance profiles, they often share conserved non-antibiotic resistance genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary mechanisms driving the development of Tn21 and related genetic elements.
- To understand the genetic basis of mercury resistance and its association with antibiotic resistance in enterobacteria.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of transposon sequences.
- Bioinformatic approaches to identify shared genes and regulatory elements.
- Phylogenetic analysis to infer evolutionary relationships.
Main Results:
- Identification of conserved non-antibiotic resistance genes within Tn21-related transposons.
- Evidence for horizontal gene transfer and recombination as drivers of transposon evolution.
- Insights into the co-evolution of mercury and antibiotic resistance genes.
Conclusions:
- The evolution of Tn21 and related transposons is shaped by a combination of gene sharing and adaptation to different selective pressures.
- Understanding these evolutionary pathways is crucial for predicting the spread of antimicrobial resistance.