Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

09:37
Screening Foodstuffs for Class 1 Integrons and Gene Cassettes
Published on: June 19, 2015
INTEGRALL: a database and search engine for integrons, integrases and gene cassettes
Alexandra Moura1, Mário Soares, Carolina Pereira
1CESAM & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal. amoura@ua.pt
Bioinformatics (Oxford, England)
|February 21, 2009
Summary
INTEGRALL is a free database for organizing and accessing information on integrons. It provides over 4800 integron sequences, aiding researchers in studying their DNA, arrangements, and genetic contexts.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Bioinformatics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Integrons are genetic elements that play a crucial role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes.
- Organizing and accessing information on integrons is essential for understanding their evolution and spread.
- Existing resources for integron data are fragmented and difficult to navigate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a comprehensive, text-based search system for integron information.
- To create a public genetic repository for integron sequence data and nomenclature.
- To facilitate easy and interactive access to integron DNA sequences and their genetic contexts.
Main Methods:
- Development of a freely available, text-based search system named INTEGRALL.
- Curating and organizing over 4800 integron sequences into a single database.
- Implementing features for interactive access to sequence data, molecular arrangements, and genetic contexts.
Main Results:
- Release of INTEGRALL version 1.2, containing over 4800 integron sequences.
- Establishment of a public genetic repository for integron sequence data and nomenclature.
- Provision of scientists with an easy and interactive tool for exploring integron information.
Conclusions:
- INTEGRALL serves as a valuable resource for researchers studying integrons.
- The system enhances the accessibility and organization of critical genetic information.
- It supports advancements in understanding integron biology and their role in genetic element dynamics.
Related Concept Videos
Integrins
Animal and protozoan cells do not have cell walls to help maintain shape and provide structural stability. Instead, these eukaryotic cells secrete a sticky mass of carbohydrates and proteins into the spaces between adjacent cells. This network of proteins and molecules is called an extracellular matrix or ECM.
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
Non-LTR Retrotransposons
As the name suggests, non-LTR retrotransposons lack the long terminal repeats characteristic of the LTR retrotransposons. Additionally, both LTR and non-LTR retrotransposons use distinct mechanisms of mobilization. Non-LTR retrotransposons are further divided into two classes - Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), both of which occur abundantly in most mammals, including humans. Some of the active non-LTR retrotransposons in humans are L1...
Tagging and Fusion Proteins
Proteins are involved in several cellular processes and biochemical reactions. Analyzing a specific protein of interest requires it to be isolated from the other proteins in the cell. This is achieved by overexpressing the specific gene in a suitable host to produce large quantities of the target protein. A tag or label is recombined with the gene to produce a fusion protein containing the target protein and the tag. The tags on these fusion proteins can then be used for easy detection and...
Overview of Transposition and Recombination
Transposons make up a significant part of genomes of various organisms. Therefore, it is believed that transposition played a major evolutionary role in speciation by changing genome sizes and modifying gene expression patterns. For example, in bacteria, transposition can lead to conferring antibiotic resistance. Movement of transposable elements within the genetic pool of pathogenic bacteria can aid in transfer of antibiotic-resistant genetic elements. In eukaryotes, transposons can carry out...
Transposons
Transposons, or "jumping genes," are small mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that range from 700 to 40,000 base pairs in length. They are found in all organisms and can move within the same chromosome or transfer to different chromosomes. In some cases, transposons can also jump between different host DNA molecules, such as plasmids or viruses, contributing to genetic variability.Barbara McClintock first discovered these mobile genetic elements in the 1940s while studying maize genetics, and she...
Recombinant DNA
Overview

