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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Real-Time Quantification of the Effects of IS200/IS605 Family-Associated TnpB on Transposon Activity
Published on: January 20, 2023
Distribution of IS91 family insertion sequences in bacterial genomes: evolutionary implications
M Pilar Garcillán-Barcia1, Fernando de la Cruz
1Departamento de Biología Molecular (Unidad Asociada al C.I.B., C.S.I.C.), Universidad de Cantabria, C/Herrera Oria s/n, 39011 Santander, Spain.
Abstract:
IS91 is the prototype element of a family of bacterial insertion sequences that transpose by a rolling-circle mechanism. Although previously considered a rarity among IS elements, many new examples have been identified by sequence analysis of bacterial genomes. In this work we provide a summary of occurrences of IS91-like sequences in the GenBank database, characterise the genetic organisation of adjacent sequences, and analyse IS91 ecological significance under the light of current transposition mechanisms. Interestingly, IS91 family elements were usually found adjacent to pathogenicity- and virulence-related genes. Thus, this might constitute the niche for IS91 and IS91 family elements to play an important role in the dissemination and evolution of virulence and pathogenicity types of genes.
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